Page 22 of Since the Day We Kissed

“It’s too cramped.” Whitaker shook his head. “No Walker should live like this.”

“Some might call it cozy,” Kara said, forcing a smile as she reached for a towel, pretending to straighten things that didn’t need fixing, anything to stay out of his line of fire. “You should drink up, Dad. I need to head out soon—gotta set up for the adoption event.”

“Me too,” Charlotte said, pouring syrup on her plate.

“No, you’re not.” Kara grabbed a stool and pulled it over to the table. “You’re gonna stay here and rest.”

“Mom ...”

“I’ll have to agree with your mother, Charlotte,” Whitaker said. “You should rest.”

Charlotte straightened and turned to face her mom. “The doctor said I’m good. I’m helping you at the event today. Besides, if I’m there, you’ll be able to keep an eye on me.”

Kara sighed. “Okay. But as soon as you look the least bit tired, I’m sending you home.”

Charlotte took a moment to finish her mouthful, then wiped her lips with a napkin. “Deal.”

Kara’s eyes flitted around the room, focusing on the chipped paint by the window, the stack of mail on the counter—anywhere but her father’s face.

“Well girls, I’m heading off to the family pharmacy—one that, quite frankly, should be yours, Kara. But I suppose it will eventually fall to someone else.” He stood, pushing the chair back under the table. “I’m glad you’re home, Charlotte.” He kissed the top of his granddaughter’s head, then turned to his daughter.

“Kara.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll talk later.”

“Bye Dad.” Kara smiled at him, clenching her teeth. “Have a good day.”

Walking out, his footsteps seemed to echo the distance Kara felt between them, a reminder of the years she had spent feeling overshadowed by his expectations. The old wounds, somehow, felt as raw as ever.

As soon as the door shut, Kara finally sat down, letting out a breath. She cut into her pancakes, eating in hurried bites between quick sips of coffee. “Charlotte, are you sure about coming to the rescue today? It won’t be a big deal if—”

“I’m gonna hop in the shower and get dressed, then I’ll be over.” Charlotte stood, taking her plate to the sink. “Don’t wait on me. I know you’ve got a ton to do this morning.”

Kara swallowed the last bite of pancake, gulped her coffee in one long sip, and pushed back from the table. Her daughter was right—Kara did have a ton to do.

In the short distance from her house to the rescue, Kara’s mind raced with the tasks ahead. As she unlocked the back entrance, a cheerful voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Hey, girl! Brought some drinks.”

Kara turned to see Emma entering the yard, cooler in hand.

“Drinks, huh?” Kara raised an eyebrow with a smirk

Emma grinned. “Just water today. But if you’re looking for a real pick-me-up, I may or may not have some espresso shots stashed away. Anyway, I’m here to help. But first, how are you?”

The smile slid off Kara’s face. “Well, my dad was here this morning. You know how that goes. And Charlotte was in a wreck last night. She’s okay, but wants to help today, so we’ll need to look out for her.”

Emma set the cooler down. “Glad she’s okay. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It was late. Didn’t want to be a bother.”

Emma stepped closer and grabbed both of Kara’s shoulders, turning her friend to face her directly. “You’re never a bother, no matter the time. Okay?”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so. Now, did you find any more help for today?”

Kara shook her head. “No, it’s only us and Charlotte. We’ll manage.”

Emma nodded. “Got it. Well, let’s get started.”

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