A memory of them having that for lunch during camping trips when Levi was young hit him hard.
“I’ll have them. Just for you.” Because he couldn’t stop thinking about it when his brain actually found a moment of quiet, Levi said what was on his mind. “Went to Bros’ Pub. Pretty sad to see the way Liam and Leo have split the place in half.”
His dad’s chest lifted with his deep inhale. “It’s not right for those two to keep that feud up. No one knows what it’s about but I’d bet they’ve probably forgotten, too.”
Whether or not his dad realized why the situation was bugging Levi, he didn’t know. But he hoped the message came through.
“I agree. Seems like family ought to find a way past the trouble spots.”
His dad’s lips flatlined and his gaze drifted past Levi’s head like the answer was somewhere behind him. When he looked at him again, he nodded. “You got enough time to help me get some of these kids started?”
Levi’s heart clenched. “I do.”
For the next thirty minutes, everything was a blur of activity. Lainey, Jilly, Zane, and one of the moms got their group settled around some tables with little plates of beads. Levi overheard Lainey tell them about her shop, how she made some of the beads, and how to make each bracelet special and unique. He glanced at Jillian and saw her listening intently. Definitely needed to ask Lainey about creating something specifically for Jillian.
All of the other adults, including Levi, helped the other half of the kids create simple but sturdy birdhouses that could be painted at a later date. When it was time to switch groups, so everyone went home with one of each thing, Levi started for the lodge.
As he walked away from the table, his dad called out, “Don’t forget my onions.”
Levi was smiling when he entered the kitchen. The lodge was beautiful and the kitchen was no different. High ceilings, lots of windows letting in light, a little nook off the back that led to a decent-sized laundry and storage area. It could use a bit of updating but the appliances were in good shape and the overall layout was efficient. Levi appreciated efficiency.
Working to prepare a variety of toppings for hot dogs, he started getting everything ready. Beckett and Grayson walked in about ten minutes after he’d started.
Beckett popped a pepper in his mouth.
“Food Safe, dude. Don’t touch,” Levi said.
“Ha. I’m not an inspector so it’s fine,” Beckett said.
“Thought you were making hot dogs,” Grayson asked, looking at the myriad of toppings on the countertop.
Levi paused in his slicing. “I am. But they’ll have some choices. Nacho dogs with homemade corn chips, salsa, peppers, and green onions; veggie dogs, which are an assortment of fresh veggies on a bun with homemade ranch dip; classic with caramelized onions and whatever condiments they want; or the bacon cheese dog.”
Beckett grabbed another slice of pepper. “Okay, now I’m really hungry.”
Gray gave his brother a playful shove in the shoulder. “Wait for lunch like the kids.”
Laughing, Levi pulled the bowl of peppers out of Beck’s reach. “Everything going okay out there?”
“I have to hand it to Jilly,” Grayson said. “Everything has been smooth sailing. There are some ways to make things cheaper, quicker, and easier, but overall, it’s a great plan, filling in the off days with letting other people use the space.”
Pride suffused his chest. “Your sister always was smarter than either of you.”
Both of them laughed, but he didn’t miss the look they exchanged, and his muscles tensed.
Before he could spiral into wondering what the hell was up, Gray spoke.
“You haven’t bought a food truck yet,” he said.
Levi set the knife down. Everything was just about ready. He picked up his cloth, wiped his fingers. “Haven’t had much time. It’s my hope for next week. One sold but there’s still two solid choices.”
Grayson nodded.
Beckett tapped his fingers on the counter, almost like he was nervous. “What if you didn’t buy a truck?”
Unsure where this was going, Levi grinned. “There’s no McDonald’s or other fast food in Smile, so I guess I’d beg Pete for a job?”
Grayson straightened his shoulders. “What Beck means is, what if you could cook whatever you wanted, within a preset budget, and could basically run your own kitchen in a way that wouldn’t mean a huge start-up cost and risk?”
