Page 8 of When Cardinals Appear

“The worst is over,” he assured me as he gave my hand a squeeze. “Most of this is just a formality. The house should be the last stressful part. Closing out the estate in probate will be easy, since she had such a detailed will drawn up.” With that, he stood and shrugged into his black wool coat.

I scrambled into my peacoat and followed him out to the parking lot. We climbed into his car and drove in silence. When we pulled up in front of Bea’s Diner, I hid a smile. I’d only come a handful of times since high school, but I wasn’t surprised Steven had chosen it. We used to hang out there all the time, and he had even worked there briefly before heading off to college.

“This good?” Steven put the car in park and switched off the ignition.

“Perfect.” We walked into the diner together. Unlike my childhood home, the diner was a place where I welcomed the familiarity. The old jukebox in one corner probably cost more in annual repairs than it was worth, but Bea refused to give it up. I couldn’t blame her. It certainly added to the ambiance, and those old songs always comforted me whenever I needed them. After a bad test in high school or, later, when the nurse gave me more bad news about Mom’s condition, I went there with a pocket full of quarters and played all my favorites, one after the other. Decorated in a fifties theme, the place had old records hanging on the wall, along with a plastic Elvis swaying his hips in time to the music. Each booth had its own miniature jukebox so that diners could purchase songs from their seats.

After finding a booth, I began flipping through the songs. I almost always ordered the same thing, so I didn’t see the point in perusing the menu.

“Any idea when Mom’s car will be ready?” Steven asked as he looked over the options.

With my eyes still on the song selection, I shrugged. “They didn’t give me an estimate.”

“I can drop you off at the shop after we eat if you want.” He smirked at me over his menu. “It might be less awkward than having Nate pick you up.”

I glared at him but didn’t respond. I hadn’t given much thought to how I would retrieve the car, but having Steven drop me off appealed to me more than riding with Nate again. Maybe I would get lucky and pick up the car while he was on his lunch break. Then I could avoid him entirely.

“As I live and breathe,” a familiar voice called out. “Lanie McAllister!” Bea rushed over to our table, her gray curls bobbing under her hairnet.

I stood to embrace her.

“Welcome home, girl.”

“Thanks, Bea. It’s so good to see you.”

“You’re done with school, ain’t ya?”

“I am.”

“Oh, I wish your dear mother could have seen it.” Bea’s blue eyes grew misty. “She was so proud of both you kids.”

I swallowed around the lump in my throat and struggled to respond. Steven took one look at me and stood as well.

“What, no hug for me?” he teased, giving me a small smile of understanding as I mouthed my thanks behind Bea’s back.

“I see you every day,” Bea retorted, waving him away. “Doesn’t that fiancée of yours know how to cook?”

“She does, but she’s usually exhausted after her shift at the hospital,” Steven countered. “You know what it’s like being on your feet all day.”

Bea pursed her lips and nodded before turning to me. “So, what can I get you? Whatever you want, it’s on the house.”

“Aw, you don’t have to do that,” I protested as I sat down. “Steven’s buying.”

“In that case,” Bea said with a twinkle in her eyes. She chuckled and nudged Steven’s shoulder. “I’m just messing with you.”

We ordered burgers and fries, our usual staple. After Bea left to put in our orders, Steven leaned back and stared at me. I squirmed in my seat. Here it comes.

“What?” I asked more defensively than I intended.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I wish you would at least consider moving home. Couldn’t James find a job out here?”

Like that would ever happen. With a sigh, I turned my attention once more to the songs, avoiding his eyes. “I don’t want to argue.”

“It doesn’t have to be an argument,” Steven countered, spreading his hands on the table. “I want to understand your reasoning.”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because you’re my sister, and I love you. I missed you while you were away.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Besides, Rose and I moved here because we thought it was the best place to start our family. Her parents have returned to South Korea to take care of their parents, and with Mom gone, you and Dad are the only family I have left.”

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