Page 28 of The Fun Part
Dad smiles and goes back to making more pancakes.
“Who’s going to eat all these pancakes?” I ask, thinking my brothers may have gotten roped into antique shopping, too.
Mom sits at the table, setting her crutches next to her. “We’ll have leftovers all week for breakfast, and Cooper pops in regularly.”
I cut another piece of pancake and distribute walnuts, whipped cream, and syrup on top. “So, Dad, not into estate sale shopping?” I take a bite of pancake heaven. Too bad I had a breakfast smoothie, or I could eat more of these.
Dad turns from the stove. “I’ve got an event at Happy Endings later this afternoon. Can’t fit in the long drive.”
“So you’re buttering me up with pancakes.”
“Nah. Just wanted to make my favorite daughter happy.”
I roll my eyes, even though I’m secretly delighted. “I’m your only daughter.”
“Still my favorite one.”
I shake my head, smiling. The doorbell rings. “Can Cooper smell pancakes across town?”
Mom and Dad exchange a look that sets my nerves on edge. Mom’s look saysbe chill, and Dad’s saysYou didn’t. Uh-oh.
“I’ll get it,” Dad says, turning off the stovetop. “Just finished in time.”
Mom gives me an apologetic smile. “I asked Cal to come along to do the heavy lifting. There’s an antique buffet up for auction I really want for the dining room at Ludbury House. I didn’t want you to strain your back, and I’m in no shape to help with this ankle.”
My jaw drops. Theaudacity. Pretending to be innocent when I confronted her about matchmaking with Cal and now this.
Oh, it is on.
Cal appears in the kitchen, his large frame sucking all the air from the room. I swear the kitchen feels smaller. “Good morning. I heard there were pancakes.”
“Help yourself,” Dad says, gesturing to the stack on the counter.
“Thank you.” Cal glances at me, says a quick hi, and then goes for the pancakes. He puts two loaded pancakes on a plate and sits next to me, across from Mom.
Mom smiles like she’s won the lottery. “Cal, thank you so much for helping out. We really appreciate it.”
He chews and swallows his pancake. “Happy to help out. You’ve done so much for me. I got another new client thanks to you. Mel asked me to help him with that property-line issue.”
“Wonderful!” Mom says.
I get why Mom invited him, devious woman, but why did Cal go along with giving up his Saturday? Surely he has a lot to do setting up his new business and apartment. Is he here to appease the woman who’s helped him meet everyone in town or to see me? I focus on my pancakes, my mind whirling with what all this means.
“Thank you two so much,” Mom says, slowly rising from her chair. Dad rushes to help her, making sure she’s all set with the crutches. “Enjoy your pancakes. I’d better go upstairs and raise this ankle. Josh, when you’re done in here, join me upstairs.”
Dad comes to full attention, whipping off his apron. Mom giggles as he closes the distance, a predatory look in his eyes before he sweeps her off her feet. The crutches clatter to the floor. He carries her out, and Mom wiggles her fingers at us.
I glance sideways at Cal, both embarrassed and happy for them.
He grins.
Cal
I head out the door with Mackenzie, who’s unusually quiet. She seemed surprised to see me today considering her mom told me that Mackenzie wanted my help. Not that it matters. Mackenzie and I are done. This is just one of those small-town favors people do for each other.
She unlocks her dad’s pickup truck and climbs in the driver’s side. After I get in, she programs the GPS and then looks at me solemnly. “Doesn’t it bother you being a workhorse on a Saturday?”
“I don’t mind helping you out.”
