Page 321 of The Maxwell Brothers
"Roger that," I said.
“I’ve got to go now. Keep me posted.”
“Will do.”
When I returned to the house, the family was split in small groups. Mom, Dad, Lexi, and Tate were on the couch. Gran and Paisley were inspecting the bookcase.
Liz was with Reese, Travis, and Luke at the island. I made a beeline for them.
"Liz, I've got to thank you for making my cousin be honest with me. Declan didn’t say, but I’m sure it’s you who convinced him,” Reese said.
“What are you talking about? I never lie,” I exclaimed.
“That’s right. You just withhold the truth.” Turning to Liz, she added, “I’m so happy you managed to annoy the crap out of Declan in the beginning."
"Reese!” I growled. “I didn't warn you, but now I am. Don't embarrass me."
"I'm not, I'm telling the truth."
"Careful, Reese. He might disinvite us forever," Travis said.
Luke chuckled. "Speak for yourself, brother. I came here today for one reason and one reason only: to give our oldest brother all the shit he can take."
"Language, Luke," Gran said. Apparently she could hear us even from across the room.
"Oh, Gran, you’re losing that fight. They're swearing now all the time, even around me," Paisley said.
“There’s no point even calling you lot out on it, is there?” Gran tsked, shaking her head. Then she glanced at Liz. “Liz, I heard you’re opening a bakery.”
“Yes I am, Beatrice.”
“Please, call me Gran.”
“Okay, Gran.” She smiled at her. “I signed a lease, and I'm super lucky that there was a bakery there before too. There are a few more details I have to take care of, but I'm going to open in two weeks."
"That's splendid!" Gran said. "I can't wait to see it."
"What made you decide on a bakery?” Mom asked.
I stepped next to Liz, putting an arm around her back.
"I've had this idea about the bakery forever," Liz said, "And then last year, I had a very bad health scare, and I made myself a promise to try and give it my best shot. I had savings because I lived frugally. And since moving to Chicago, I've worked a lot.”
I nodded. “I can confirm that.”
“The next two years will be a crucial time for me to double down.”
“Two years?” I asked, frowning.
“That’s the time I’m giving myself to break even. If that doesn’t happen… well, the original plan was to go back home.”
What the hell?She’d never mentioned that.
I felt the energy in the room change. Luke and Travis both looked at me. I cocked a brow at them. The message was clear:keep quiet.
Mom went on, asking what kind of baked goods Liz planned to sell, but I wasn’t listening. I was fixating on what she’d said before.
“Two years. Moving back home.”
