Page 59 of Made for You

“I think you need to lay off the true crime podcasts from the front desk.” I laugh.

“Hey. You never know. Why else would he be so interested in Balsam Cliffs and Liam?”

“I think he wants to move here, or maybe they’re making him relocate for work? He didn’t seem happy about being here. But he was interested.”

I start chopping all the vegetables I’ll need.

“Who knows. I gotta go back to the front desk. I have a check-in coming soon. And I have to work there since someone tainted my office.” She sticks her tongue out at me.

“Sorry, not sorry!” I shout after she leaves the kitchen.

My chili is prepped and simmering on low on the stove. And now I have about an hour of free time before I have to make cornbread.

Before I can make any decision on what to do, my mother’s name flashes across my phone. I’ve successfully been avoiding her but she’s been calling nonstop for a few days so I guess I should answer.

I swipe my finger across the screen to accept the call, “Hi, Mom.”

“Oh good, you finally answered.” No greeting. No happiness to actually hear from me.

“Sorry. It’s been pretty busy around here.” I sigh and sink into my favorite chair.

At least I can make myself comfortable for this conversation. Whatever it is, she needs something. I can tell by the tone in her voice.

“Right. Well listen, this weekend, Larry and I need you home. His first re-election gala will be held at our home. Your attendance is required, not requested.”

I rub my temple, the headache from talking to my mother already coming on.

“Mom. I can’t just leave. This is the weekend before the Valentine’s Day dance that I’m organizing with Gran. We have a lot to do. Plus the inn relies on me for food.” Partially true.

“Honey, you can’t put work over everything else in your life. Your family needs you home. The dance has survived years without you.”

I’m not going to win this argument.

“The inn can’t. I’m the only chef.”

“Please, honey, I miss you so much. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you and you never call me anymore.” There it is. The guilt trips.

“Fine Mom. I will figure it out. Text me the details and I’ll make something work.”

“Oh excellent, I will send that right now.” My phone vibrates in my hand and sure enough I have the details. “I must get going. I’ll see you soon!”

She hangs up before I can even say goodbye. She misses me, my ass. Larry needs me to keep up his happy family appearance for elections.

I need to go talk to Emma and let her know that I won’t be here but we can put together some prepped breakfasts like waffles and pastries that I can make batter or items to be wrapped for her to put out that weekend.

Then I need to talk to Gran to let her know I won’t be here for last minute planning, but now, as Alexander puts it, I have everything at my fingertips for last minute decor shopping. Maybe I can get Gran to come to the inn this weekend to make some food for guests.

Ugh. This is not what I want to be doing.

I lay my head back against the chair, and relax, I let my eyes close for just a second. Just a quick cat nap sounds good.

Now that Emma is home, and Wyatt is off shift, it’s time for us to sit down with Mom and Pops to discuss this second mortgage mess. Something I’m not looking forward to.

At least we are meeting at the inn in the dining room, so I get a fresh, hot breakfast while we delve into the new situation I have to find a way to deal with.

I pause at the door, taking a deep breath before going in.

Violet greets me in the kitchen, “Good morning, back for breakfast again?”

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