Page 101 of A Not So Merry Rescue
A glance at the menu, and I choose a burger, asking Beckett to order fish and chips so we can share. After ordering, he grabs my hand, interlacing our fingers.
“So, a three-hour drive home?”
“Give or take, barring any stops for gas or to pee. I already checked the weather for the entire route, and it’s clear skies. No storms to contend with.”
“No more rescues for you.”
“That’s the plan.” We share a smile. His is pained, and mine most likely mirrors it. It shouldn’t be this difficult to part ways.
Try telling that to my heart.
“Will you write today?”
My head shakes, the action more dramatic than it needs to be. “I’ll get everything unpacked and ready to start bright and early tomorrow. I’ll order groceries to be delivered so I have food. But, I’m excited about the ideas for scenes and chapters. All thanks to you.”
It was always my plan to get back to writing this week, no matter what. Having Beckett’s help breaking the writer’s block was much better than my original idea. If left to my own devices, even with nothing but my laptop, Wi-Fi, and phone at the cabin, I would have found excuses. Not only did he give me my writing mojo back, he did it without bribery and me making excuses.
Perhaps there was a little bribery . . .
“You’re welcome.”
The waitress drops off our plates, winking at Beckett. So rude when I’m sitting right here. She doesn’t know this is our last meal and whatever started between us is over.
“Don’t be surprised when she leaves her number on the receipt,” I joke.
“Hasn’t worked the first five times. Odds aren’t in her favor.” He pours ketchup on the burger and fries.
I don’t stifle the chuckle. “Good for her for going after what she wants even if you’re clearly not interested.”
As we consume the meal, there’s more idle chitchat, his plans for the rest of the week, our New Year’s plans, stuff we haven’t yet talked about. About halfway through, Shania and Autumn stroll through the door, Shania’s eyes lighting up when she spots us.
“Willa. You didn’t leave yet. I was so sad I didn’t get to see you at Christmas brunch, but my mom made me go to my other grandparents’ house.” Her nose scrunches in disgust, making her opinion known.
“I’m on the road as soon as lunch is over, but I havesomething for you in my car. Are you guys eating here or taking it to go?”
“We usually take it to go, but I bet Mom will let us stay. If that’s okay with you.” She looks between us, giving Beckett pouty lips, which he most definitely can’t say no to.
He waves at the empty spots next to us, making room for his sister on his side when Shania slides next to me.
“Wait. Let me grab your gift from the car to open while you wait for your food.”
“She got enough gifts at Christmas, the girl doesn’t need anything else.”
“Way to make a girl feel good about giving your kid a gift, sis,” Beckett chides. Autumn’s cheeks flush pink.
I’m too excited to share my secret that I don’t let it bother me. “Be right back.” To Beckett, with a pointed finger, I say, “Do not eat the rest of the zucchini fries.” I rush outside, grab the gift for Shania, and return, handing it over. “It’s all I had with me.”
“Willa, this is so kind of you. At the risk of more derision from my brother, you did not have to get her a gift. Not because she doesn’t need anything else, but because you don’t owe her anything.”
I shrug. “Ah, I kinda do.”
Shania digs into the wrapping paper I stole from Beckett’s stash. I chose the one most fitting for the teen from his collection. “Collection” is the only way to describe how many rolls of paper he had in the basement. She squeals when she rips the first gift open, a hardcover copy ofThe Puzzle Problem, book one in the Hidden Clues series.
“Willa! You had this with you? This is amazing. I only have the paperbacks.” Pure joy infiltrates her expression and her voice, confirming she deserves this gift.
The box of hardcovers has been in my car for over two years. I could never bring myself to take them out after Elias put them in.
“I love this edition, but want to know my favorite part?”
