Page 15 of More Than A Fixer-Upper
“If you can keep your dad out of my bar for a month, I’ll give you free beer for a week,” she sighs. “He’s wasted again. Trying to get people to buy him drinks after I cut him off.”
“I’d tell you to call the sheriff, but they’d just call me.” I stand and close my laptop.
“Maybe they’ll toss him in the drunk tank if you ask nicely.”
“Call him. I’ll text Dex my siblings’ numbers. I’m off dad duty tonight.”
“It’s a Christmas miracle,” Lorraine laughs. “I’ll let you know what the sheriff says.” She hangs up before I can respond.
ME: Dad’s getting the sheriff called on him. I gave Lorraine the go ahead.
SETH: You know they’ll call you.
ME: Nope. I sent Dex my brother and sister’s numbers.
SETH: That’s freaking awesome.
I drive into town, ignoring the incoming calls from my siblings. They can handle Dad for once. I pull into the diner and spot Rosalie, Drew, and Winnie sitting in a booth. They’re talking, laughing. Rosalie’s smile lights up the whole space.
I groan and rub my hands down my face before climbing out of the truck. I adjust my shirt, take a breath, and walk inside.
“Chase!” Drew calls out as I stop to greet a couple of folks. I walk over to their booth and smile.
“Hello, Potter family.”
“We haven’t ordered yet. You’re welcome to join us,” Rosalie says.
“I was just grabbing a to go order. Need to talk to Maxine,” I say, pointing toward the register.
“Oh.” Drew’s face drops.
“You know what? I’ll join you.” Drew scoots over to make room. “I was working on your contract before my stomach started growling.”
“Well then, let me feed you,” Rosalie laughs.
Maxine appears, flustered. “Sorry for the wait. It’s chaos tonight one waitress didn’t show, and another quit. You don’t need my rambling.”
Her eyes widen when she sees me at the table. “Chase, what the heck are you doing here? Thought you were ordering.”
“I’m hanging out with my new buddy Drew, his mom Rosalie, and his sister Winnie. Rosalie’s Mrs. Rosa’s granddaughter.”
“You’re LeeAnn’s daughter?” Maxine’s eyes fill with tears. “She was my best friend.”
“You knew my mom?” Rosalie’s voice catches. “I didn’t even know her name until Gerald came to my house in Texas.”
“I’d be honored to talk to you about her,” Maxine says, smiling. She waves her hand like she’s swatting away emotion. “Now, what can I get you all?”
We rattle off our orders. Winnie’s mostly on her phone, laughing and showing us texts from Hailey. I’m glad they’re getting along.
“Are you bringing the kids to the party, or do you want me to pick you up?” I ask Rosalie.
Drew mumbles something about not knowing anyone, but Rosalie gives him a look. He goes quiet and checks his phone.
“I was going to drop them off and pick them up later,” Rosalie says, sipping her cherry coke.
“Ellen wants you to come. It’s a great way to meet other parents, relatives, and be with the kids.”
Winnie looks up. “We don’t need a babysitter.”
