“Are you back for good, Kacey?” Marilyn asked as she filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove to boil.
Kacey shook her head. “No, I’m just here until I find another roommate in Charlotte. I might just get my own condo. I’m working remotely and helping my sister run her bakery while I’m in town.”
“That’s a shame. I was hoping you’d say that you were here to stay.” Marilyn frowned over at her before retrieving four mugs from the cabinet. “What do you do?”
“I’m a graphic designer. I design websites and promotional materials.”
Marilyn smiled. “How nice. I recall how you were very artistic. I still remember your artwork on display at the high school. You even won a few awards and that nice scholarship because you’re so talented.”
“Thank you,” Kacey said.
Marilyn disappeared into their huge pantry and emerged with a box of hot chocolate mix. She pulled out four packets and poured them into the mugs.
“We haven’t seen you in a while, Drew.” Randy nodded at his son. “What’s been keeping you so busy?”
“I’m directing the children’s choir for the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival.”
“How nice,” Marilyn said.
Randy’s brow furrowed. “Why would you want to take that on?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Kacey noticed Drew’s spine go rigid. “Dana Hansen had an emergency and asked me to fill in.”
“Oh no, what happened?” Marilyn asked.
Drew explained how Mrs.Hansen had to rush to Florida to care for her mother.
“Oh dear.” Marilyn shook her head. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you were able to help her out.” When the kettle started to whistle, she picked it up off the stove and poured the hot water into the mugs. She stirred them and then added whipped topping before placing them on a tray and carrying them to the table.
“Thank you.” Kacey sipped her cocoa and enjoyed the warm, chocolatey drink. “It’s delicious.”
Randy gave Drew a pointed look. “So why did you take on the choir?”
“I just told you, Dad.” Drew’s words were measured. “Dana Hansen needed the help.”
“You already said that, but why would you want the hassle? Does it pay well?”
Drew set his jaw and his nostrils flared. “Dad, I happen to enjoy the kids. That’s why I became a teacher. As I’ve told you before, sometimes it’s not about the money.”
Kacey touched his arm, hoping to ease his tension, but he continued to glare at his father.
“When is worknotabout the money? You know I want to retire, and I’d rather leave the firm to you than to a stranger. You should really consider a career change, so you can afford a comfortable future.”
Drew picked up his mug and took a sip, then set it back on the gray place mat. “I applied for a music department head job in Newton, and it pays real money.”
“How exciting, Drew!” His mother reached over and patted his hand. “We’ll miss you, but what a great opportunity.”
Randy nodded. “Have you interviewed for it yet?”
“No, I’m still waiting to hear back.”
“What are your plans for the holidays?” Kacey asked, hoping her voice sounded bright as she jumped in to change the subject.
While Marilyn began talking about Thanksgiving, Kacey noticed Drew’s posture relax slightly.
When they finished their hot cocoa, Kacey thanked Drew’s parents and then walked with him out to his car. They were both quiet as they climbed into the Honda and he backed out of the driveway.
The silence stretched between them while he gripped the wheel and stared out at the road ahead of them.
