Page 33 of Until We Break

I wanted to throttle Dean for making her think about the accident right now. And for interrupting us.

“I’ll take some coffee,” I volunteered.

“I’m so confused right now. I saw the books in the yard. There was a pile of trash out there. I thought something happened to you, Margot.” Dean wasn’t going to let it go. “I was worried. Now he’s here.”

“I’m fine. You can see I’m fine. I’ve been with Caleb.” She filled the pot to the top with water from the sink.

The recognition registered in his eyes. He was slow to put the pieces together, but he was getting it.

“Marina business with the Coast Guard?” he pushed. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Speaking of marina business, is that why you’re here, Dean?” She spun to face him. “More papers for me to sign?”

His lips pressed together. “I wanted to talk about a few options I came up with for you and the Blue Heron.”

“Oh?”

“Maybe when Caleb leaves, we can go over them together.”

I shook my head. I sat on one of the grubby bar stools. It wasn’t until just now that I was taking in the place. I guess I hadn’t paid attention the last few years Walt was alive and how quickly the Blue Heron was crumbling. The cottage was barely being held together by the plaster and nails in the walls. I saw a crack in the ceiling that ran the length of the kitchen and living room.

“We have breakfast plans. Sorry, man. Not leaving anytime soon.” I didn’t care if I sounded like I was staking out my territory.

I saw how Margot’s lips twitched as if she was about to smile. I winked at her from my side of the counter.

Dean rocked back on his business loafers. “Another time then.” He headed for the screen door. “Good seeing you, Caleb.”

I saluted him. “You too, man.”

“I’ll call you later to set up a meeting,” he added for Margot.

“That would be a good idea.”

“I could just come back here.” I didn’t like how intent he was on seeing her at the cottage. “I’ll call.”

The screen door squeaked and closed behind him just as Margot dropped a hot cup of coffee in front of me.

“I already know how you take your coffee.” She smiled.

“Does he usually do that?” I asked. Dean had gotten under my skin in the first five seconds I laid eyes on him.

“Do what?” She dumped in creamer and sugar.

“Drop by and walk in the house like that?” I pried.

“I guess.” She shrugged. “I’ve never been missing before. He has an excuse this time.”

“Why didn’t you want to tell him about Lucas?” I asked gently. “You saved him in more ways than one.”

Her eyelashes fluttered. “It’s too personal,” she explained. “I can’t talk about it. Yet.”

“You don’t have to. No one is rushing you.” I glanced at her.

“Besides, I wasn’t the one who got him to the hospital. That was you.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. Not on something this important.”

She shrugged slightly, tasting her coffee.

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