“Well, you are,” I say as we start walking again. “You know what? I should get you that pony you always wanted.”
She laughs because she’s never actually asked for a pony. She grew up happily playing with Delilah. “I’m a little past the pony stage now.”
“You’re really sure about this?” I double-check, joking aside. “I promise I’ll never ask you to do anything this insane ever again.”
“Somehow I doubt that. But yes, I’ll do it.” Hopping off the curb, she peers up at me. “Can I make a suggestion though?”
“What?”
“After grandma and grandpa leave, you should probably look into therapy.”
I gape at her, unsure if she’s joking. Her face is telling me it’s one of those things you joke about but also sort of mean. And well. That’s fair, I suppose.
“I love you, kid.”
“Love you too,” she says, coming closer to snag another fry.
Passing her the box, I take out my phone and text Travis.The plan is on. Tomorrow.
Aspredicted,Ididn’tsleep well last night, too preoccupied with worries about the inn and the Richardsons arriving today. I’m on my third cup of coffee already, but it’s not doing much to help me keep my eyes open. Although when I see Mr. Bennington—the businessman in charge of the retreat—approaching me from across the lobby, I manage to fake some perkiness.
I need to stay on my game, because the inn could use more events like this. They’re stressful and meticulous to plan, but they bring in the money.
“Mr. Sanderson,” he says when he reaches me at the front desk. Even though I’ve told him multiple times that I don’t mind everyone calling me Brenden.
“Mr. Bennington,” I reply, because he hasnottold me to call him by his first name.
“Do you have the projector screen set up in the ballroom?”
“I do,” I assure him. It was touch-and-go there for a minute, because I’m not the most tech-savvy person. But he doesn’t need to know that.
He nods his head once. “Excellent. And you’ll have a table set with coffee and pastries?”
“Yes! I think everyone will enjoy the selection we have for you today.”
This gets me a small smile. “My team have all been raving about the food here. Compliments to the chef.”
My pleased grin is hard to hide. Addison will be relieved and proud to hear that. But Travis deserves some of the credit too. He’s been here almost as constantly as she has. Honestly, I have no idea how he’s keeping the diner running at the same time, but he hasn’t complained once. Hasn’t given me any indication that he needs to be anywhere else.
Mr. Bennington, on the other hand, clearly has no desire to spend any more time in my presence than necessary. With a final nod, he turns and marches away. I try not to take it personally.
Refocusing on the task in front of me, I finish double-checking reservations for next week, because I can’t afford another error in the booking system. Everything looks good, which is a relief.
I’m about to pop into the kitchen to see if Addison and Travis need anything (not that I could truly offer much help to them,considering my lack of cooking proficiency) when the inn’s main doors open, letting in a nice spring breeze. I turn on instinct to greet the guests—only to face Elise and Grant strolling in, luggage in tow. Alotof luggage.
“Hello, dear!” Elise greets me warmly.
I freeze, taking a beat too long to respond. “Hi. Uh. What are you doing here?”
Her smile falls, and it sort of knocks my brain-to-mouth filter back into place.
“Sorry. I mean, I thought you were getting in this evening.” I rush forward to help them with their bags. “I was going to pick you up from the airport.”
The closest airport to Mayweather is almost two hours away, but I intended to use that time to mentally prepare myself for this. For them. I’ve been so focused on what to do about the lie I told, that I haven’t stopped to process the fact that they’ll behere, in my town, in myhouse. For an undetermined amount of time.
Elise leans in to give me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “It’s okay, we wanted to rent a car. And we were able to get an earlier flight, so we thought we’d surprise you!”
Color me surprised.
