Page 30 of No Place Like Home
Cade picked up a kolache. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Don’t bite the hand that fed you.”
“That’s the only thing keeping me from kicking you out right now.” He set the kolache on a napkin. “Pearl will let anyone in here, won’t she?”
“Linc said you’re being stubborn. And I know for a fact you’ve already turned down two of Sadie’s ideas and filled half the volunteer slots with your own name.” Zoey leaned forward in her chair. “Magnolia Days is a community event—let the community help.”
Good point. Rosalyn locked her own gaze on Cade and raised her eyebrows.
His eyes darted between her and Zoey, and he slowed his speech to emphasize. “I don’t need help.”
“She’s helping.” Zoey nodded pointedly toward the spreadsheets in Rosalyn’s lap.
Cade bristled. “Rosalyn’s different.”
Her heart stuttered. And heat crawled up her neck, the thorn faded, leaving behind an even more uncomfortable realization—Rosalyn had been jealous.
She held up the paper. “I’m only marking paid vendors. It’s not a big task.”
“Really, Cade? Highlighting?” Zoey’s voice dipped. “There’ssomuch more that’s got to be dealt with.”
“I know, trust me. I got it.” A brittle edge coated his voice.
Suddenly, another figure landed in the doorway—Miley. She crossed her arms over her band tee and glowered. “That family of four just signed a lease.”
Cade palmed his face. “Is Pearl evenoutthere?”
“They’re moving furniture into the pothole, Cade.” Miley stabbed her hands into her hair. “I face-timed my dad, and he’s losing it. He threw out the L-word.”
Great time for coffee. Zoey mouthed the words to Rosalyn as she jerked her head toward Miley. Rosalyn grinned again.
“L-word?” Cade frowned. “What? Loser?”
“Lawsuit.”
Cade’s face paled, then he stood, hands extended. His charming smile reappeared. “Look, Miley, I told you I’d handle?—”
The landline rang. Cade sighed loud enough to compete with the AC unit. “Hold that thought.”
He held up one finger as his cell buzzed from atop his desk. He glanced at the display, one hand still hovering in the air. Then his eyes widened and locked on Rosalyn’s as the landline jangled a second time. “It’s the assistant director.”
“Get it.” Rosalyn tossed the spreadsheets on the desk and sprang to her feet. Cade couldn’t miss this. “The rest can wait.”
“I’ll grab the other phone.” Zoey leaned over the desk and scooped up the black receiver before Cade could protest. “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?”
Miley snorted.
Cade’s face turned purple but all he could do was answer his cell. “Hey, Janie. Thanks for getting back with me.” He swept out of the room, his voice trailing behind him down the hall. “Yeah, it’s a great time, no worries.”
Rosalyn shook her head.
“That boy needs serious prayer.”
Miley was right. Rosalyn was already asking God to help Cade.
But would He hear her?
* * *
