Page 41 of So Right
“Works for me,” Cam said.
Luke broke off a piece of pretzel. “Yep, I can do that. Do you know what the meeting will entail?”
Brooke answered. “Crystal said the archaeologist will do a walk on the property and a cursory search. Apparently, there are things she might be able to see without even digging.”
Cam leaned his arm on the table. “Really? That’s fascinating. I’m really looking forward to this. And I know Jamie is too. Crap, he might be gone that day. I think he’s signed up for some accounting workshop or something.”
“We could probably reschedule,” Kelsey said.
Luke heard a hint of disappointment in her tone. “Nah, we can go ahead. I imagine the archaeologist will need to come back. Jamie will get a chance to nerd out.”
“Hey, archaeology isn’t nerdy,” Brooke said. “Look at Indiana Jones.” She sent a knowing glance at Kelsey, who nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, because all archaeologists look like that and have the opportunity to swashbuckle.”
Kelsey shook her head at Luke. “That’s not a verb. You’re trying to use that as a verb.”
“Why can’t it be? To swashbuckle. I like it.” He grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes.
“The point is,” Brooke said sternly but with a smile, “archaeology isn’t nerdy.”
“I didn’t mean that it was,” Luke said, holding up his hands in mock defense. “I only meant that it’s a subject about which Jamie is interested, or dare I even say excited. Maybe he’ll go back to school and get a fourth—or would it be his fifth?—degree in that field.”
“Hello!” Mom’s singsong greeting made the hair on Luke’s neck stand up. He swiveled his head around to see her quickly approaching the table with Dad. “How wonderful to run into my boys.”
“Hi, Mom,” Cam said.
Brooke jumped up and gave her a quick hug. “Do you want my seat?”
“No, no. We’re on our way out.” Her gaze was fixed on Kelsey.
Luke stood. “Mom, this is my friend Kelsey McDade. Kelsey, this is my mom, Angie. And my dad, Sam.”
Mom shook Kelsey’s hand and then Dad did the same. “Pleased to meet you,” Dad said, “though I feel as though we’ve met before.”
“I work at The Arch and Vine,” Kelsey said.
Dad smiled. “That’s it.”
“Is that right?” Mom asked. “So you’re a waitress?”
“And a librarian,” Luke answered. “She runs the new library in town.”
Mom cocked her head to the side. “I was in there last week, and I don’t think I saw you.”
Kelsey clasped her hands on the edge of the table in front of her. “If you came in on a Thursday or Friday, you probably met Marci. She’s my assistant. I was likely upstairs working on the Ribbon Ridge exhibit.”
Mom laughed the kind of laugh that came from anxiety or discomfort. “Oh yes, of course. How silly of me. Brooke’s told me all about that. I didn’t realize you were one of the women she mentioned was working with her.” She waved her hand. “My bad. It’s lovely to meet you finally. And you’re here with Luke?” Mom smiled expectantly as she glanced from Kelsey to Luke and back to Kelsey again.
“Uh, yes.” Kelsey flicked a look toward him. It wasn’t panic. No, nothing so dramatic, but there was a shadow of apprehension there.
Time to come to the rescue. “So you and Dad are headed home? Any booths we need to see?”
“Oh yes, make sure you head toward the play structure,” Mom said. “There’s a young man over there displaying his art, and it’s just fantastic.”
Luke sat back down, hoping they’d go on their way. He sent Dad a pleading look. “Thanks for the tip. We’ll check it out.”
Dad brushed his hand along Mom’s back. “Come on, dear. I’m beat after trimming the shrubs today.” He clapped Cam on the shoulder, since he was closer. “See you boys later. Good night, Brooke—and Kelsey.” He smiled warmly as he escorted Mom away.
