Page 38 of Dying to Read

“You were right, dude. Most of the people today were young and if not single, they at least didn’t have any rug rats. Not that I’m opposed to kids, I just hate having them on hikes. They’re always whining and when they get tired, accidents happen. I’m always on edge.”

He went on to tell a story about a kid hanging back and then getting off trail. “The parents didn’t even notice until we were abouttwenty minutes past when he went off trail. I’ll never hike with kids in the group without a follow-up guy again.”

“Did you find the kid?” Rarity didn’t like where this story was leading.

Jack laughed. “Sure, but going back to find him made us late for the next tour group. Luckily that one didn’t have any kids. I could relax a little.”

Archer met Rarity’s gaze in the rearview mirror and rolled his eyes. Apparently, he’d heard Jack’s story before. Jack had been more worried about being late than a lost kid?It takes all kinds,Rarity thought as she let the comment she had been going tosay fall away.

You never bit the hand that was feeding you. Or in this case, helping move boxes.

The unloading didn’t take long, and Rarity took the extra time while she had Shirley and Jonathon to put the tables and chairs away. The boxes they put into the back roomon the table.

“I’ll get that unpacked and shelved first thing tomorrow,” Shirley said, sitting down on the bench to wave a fan in front of her face. “At least I know I don’t have to go home and do my dancercise video today. My heart is pumping and I’m sweating, just not with the oldies.”

“I should have turned on some music to get us going.” Rarity grabbed a bottle of water. It wasn’t just Shirley who was feeling the burn.

“I’m hitting the gym as soon as we’re done. CrossFit waits for no man.” Jack held up his arm in a bodybuilder pose.

“I’m swimming, then soaking in the hot tub afterward.” Rarity stretched her arms, one after the other. “My neck is tight.”

“I’m driving to Flagstaff to a hotel where I’m stretching out on the bed until it’s time to take the girls to dinner,” Jonathon said. “You all are too active for me.” He leaned down and patted Killer as he slept in his bookstore bed. “This guy’s got the right idea.”

“Well, thanks everyone for the assist.” Rarity picked up her tote. “Let’s go claim some of this weekend for ourselves.”

Jonathon stopped her as she was locking the door. “I can drive you and Killer home before I leave.”

“That’s okay. It’s a nice day, not too hot for the little guy.” Rarity waved Jonathon away. “Go be with Savannah. I’m sure she wants to tell you all about today’s egg hunt.”

“She is always babbling about something,” Jonathon said as he walked toward his truck.

Shirley paused by the door, watching the departing bus that held Archer and Jack. “If you were being nice to Jonathon so he could get on the road, I can drop youoff at home.”

“I’d rather walk, but thanks for offering.” After Rarity put her keys away, she followed Shirley’s gaze. Archer had said goodbye and that he’d try to call tonight sometime. It depended on how things went. Rarity wanted to give him his space. Besides, she didn’t have much choicein the matter.

Chapter 15

Archer didn’t call Sunday night, but after she’d swum the next morning, she came in through the patio doors and found him in her kitchen, making breakfast. “Well, good morning, this is a surprise.”

“I hope a good one. I knocked, but then I heard you splashing in the pool, so I used my key.” He turned and kissed her. “Denver omelets and hash browns. I hope you aren’t going to workthis morning.”

“No, Shirley is handling the store. I think she’s hiding from her daughter.” Rarity pulled her towel closer. “Let me go change and I’ll be right out. Just don’tleave, okay?”

“Wasn’t planning on it,” Archer confirmed. Killer barked at him and he shook his head. “No human food today. At least not until we get this cooked. I don’t think you likeraw potatoes.”

“I’m not sure there is anything that dog doesn’t like,” Rarity said as she went into her bedroom. She paused at the door. “I’ll be right out. Don’t leave.”

Rarity didn’t know why she was so worried, but the last month or so hadn’t been exactly normal between the two of them.

When she got back to the living room, he was sitting at the table. Breakfast was already plated and waiting for her. He’d also poured coffee. She sat down and picked up her cup. “This looks great. Thank you.”

“I know you’ve been busy with the store and all. I wanted some time for us. I wanted to update you on what’s been happening.”

“If you want. I’m not going to push.” She picked up her fork and started eating. She was waiting for him to talk.

“Edith probably told you that Dad’s not doing well. She came over to visit this week. I don’t think Dad has much time. But he’s alertand convinced he has to find Grandma’s books. I thought that maybe telling him about the books resurfacing would help, but it’s made him more frantic. He said there’s a secret he never told us. A secret he can’t tell us.” Archer leaned over and put his head in his hands. “I can’t deal with all of this. He’s freaking me out. I know it’s the pain meds messing with his mind, but what if he gets worse?”

“That must be hard.” Rarity wasn’t sure how to respond, but she knew that Archer was hurting. “Look, you take as much time with your family as you need. Don’t worry about me. Killer and I will be here whenyou need us.”

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