“Probably just that crud that’s going around. Either that or he ate so much he made himself sick. I’ve seen him do that a time or two.”
“Listen, Luke, I can have my sister come and pick me up.”
“No. I told Don it’d be twenty minutes or so. I’m happy to take you home.”
Happy to take her home? She hoped he didn’t mean that literally.
“Hey, buddy … You okay?” Luke perched on the edge of the sofa where Mateo was lying, praying the boy didn’t puke on his friends’ plush carpet—or in his truck on the way home, for that matter. He looked from Don to his wife, Valerie, trying to discern how serious this was.
Mateo was subdued, but he didn’t look pale or green around the gills. Luke patted his shoulder, then rose. “I’ll gather your stuff up, and we’ll get you home and in bed, okay?”
Mateo nodded wordlessly, not meeting Luke’s eyes.
Hoping Don would take the hint, he started toward the kitchen. “Are his shoes out here?”
Valerie nodded, trailing behind him. “I’m sure sorry you had to cancel your plans.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad you called.” He winced and lowered his voice. “I hope he didn’t ruin anything … getting sick.”
“No. We were all outside when it happened. He probably needs a shower, but he just wanted to lie down and wait for you.”
Don appeared in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. “Mateo’s bag is out by the front door. And here are his shoes.” He held out the canvas tennis shoes like they were a wet dog. “He may or may not have upchucked on the shoes.”
Valerie huffed at her husband and grabbed a rumpled grocery sack and held it out for Don to put the shoes in.
Laughing, Luke took the bag from him. “Sorry about that, man.”
Don waved him off. “He’s a good kid. Hope he feels better.”
“I hope he really did behave for you guys.”
“Oh, he was no trouble at all. He’s a charmer.” Valerie’s smile seemed genuine.
But Luke shook his head. Being a charmer wasn’t a trait Mateo often got complimented on.
“We’ll give you a rain check on the babysitting,” Valerie said. “Don’t you hesitate to call.”
Luke thanked her, but cringed inwardly. Rain checks were piling up on him, and he didn’t like to owe or be owed.
Don grinned. “You should have just brought the lovely lady with you.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t think exposing her to a puking kid was a very good way to make a first impression.”
“First impression?” Valerie’s brows went up. “Was this a blind date?”
“No. First date though. But I’ve known Joanna for a while. I DJed her sister’s wedding.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet.”
Luke chuckled. “I don’t know how sweet it was. It was only a job.” He didn’t mention that he’d actually first met Joanna at the attorney’s office that day.
His conversation with Joanna tonight niggled at him. It was natural she would assume that Mateo was only with him temporarily. That he was awaiting foster care and would be going to another home. But that wasn’t the case now, and he needed to come clean with her. But he’d never meant to deceive her. He’d just assumed she knew—because of working at Pritchert & Pritchert—that he was Mateo’s legal guardian. He realized now that the law firm probably had hundreds of clients. He’d been ignorant to think that she would be aware of the circumstances of every client. And she was only an administrative assistant, likely not privy to his information.
Carrying the grocery bag, he returned to the front room and slung Mateo’s backpack over one shoulder. He lifted the limp form from the sofa. “Man, bud, you weigh a ton.”
That brought a wan smile. “Don’t forget my shoes.”
“I’ve got them right here.” He boosted Mateo up and shifted his weight to the other leg. “Hey, bud … Tell Don and Val thank you.”
“Thanks.” It was barely a whisper. But Luke wasn’t going to make a big deal of it tonight. He just wanted to get home. Preferably without getting thrown up on.
CHAPTER 15
July
THE CLOCK ON HER BEDSIDE table seemed like it was hammering out the seconds. Joanna threw back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the mattress.
She may as well get up. She’d seen every half hour on the clock since she crawled into bed at eleven last night. Thank goodness it was Saturday and she didn’t have to work. Well, not at the office anyway.
Guests would be checking in to the cottage around four, so she and Britt needed to change out the linens on the beds and clean the bathrooms. Britt had already made scones for the guests’ breakfast—usually Jo’s job—and she hoped there were a few extras so she could have one with her coffee. The cinnamon-scented treats would have tempted her last night if she hadn’t been so bummed about the way her date with Luke had ended.
He’d been super apologetic, but somehow Jo didn’t think he was as disappointed as she was. Their conversation had gotten a little tense before the server interrupted with the check. She couldn’t even remember now what she’d said, but she’d definitely seen a shift in the expression on his face. Whether it was frustration or disinterest, she couldn’t have said.
She went out to the kitchen and flipped on the overhead light only to find Britt bathed in lamplight, sitting in the little reading corner off the kitchen with her Bible and her journal.
Britt looked her way. “You’re up early.”
Melvin was ensconced in her lap, but the cat lifted his head and eyed Jo as if she might feed him early.
“Couldn’t sleep.” Jo opened a bag of coffee beans from Red Banner, their favorite roaster in Cape, and poured them into the grinder.
She and her sisters had decided they wanted their little Airbnb venture to support local businesses in Langhorne and Cape Girardeau as much as possible. For that reason, The Cottages on Poplar Brook Road only served locally roasted coffee, their vases would be filled with flowers from Mary’s shop in Langhorne, and whenever they didn’t have time to bake their own breakfast treats, they’d grab something from Mike Michaels’s bakery in Langhorne. Coffee’s On was doing a thriving business now that Mike’s son was out of prison and working for him. It warmed Jo’s heart to see that happy ending.
The thought that came to mind seemed ridiculous by comparison, but she couldn’t keep the question from forming: Would she ever get her own happy ending? She knew in her heart that there was no comparison between what her “happy ending” would look like and Mike’s son being free after having spent years in prison on drug charges, or a twelve-year-old losing his only parent the way Mateo had. Mike’s “happy ending” was nothing short of miraculous. And if Mateo found a good family and made something of his life, that, too, would be a miracle.
But a woman finding a man to marry? That was an everyday occurrence. Except, it didn’t feel so “everyday” when you were the woman who hadn’t found her man yet.
Britt closed her Bible, deposited Melvin on the floor, and went to get a mug from the cupboard. “So, how was your hot date?”
Jo made a face. “Not so hot.”
Britt froze. “Why? What happened?”
“Nothing. That’s why it wasn’t so hot.”
“What do you mean nothing happened? You weren’t expecting him to propose on the first date, were you? Or to kiss you?”
She rolled her eyes. “No, you fruitcake.” Though she wouldn’t have minded the latter.
“Then what happened?”
“Mateo—you remember the kid who’s staying with Luke? The one whose mom died? Well, he got sick. Luke had to go pick him up at a friend’s. It was like eight thirty when he brought me home.”
“Well, that wasn’t your fault. And I guarantee he’ll ask you out again.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Why do you say that? You didn’t hit it off?”
“No. I thought we did. At first anyway. We had a lot
to talk about and we laughed. Things were going really well before he got the call about Mateo.”
“Then he’ll ask you out again.”
“Maybe. I get the feeling he’s kind of focused on Mateo right now.”
Britt glared at her. “What a horrible, horrible man. Worrying about a little boy who’s lost his mother when he could be dating you instead.”
Jo wadded up a dish towel and lobbed it at her. “I never said he was horrible.”
“What did you want him to do? Tell the kid, ‘Tough cookies, I’m on a hot date and your tummy ache just has to wait?’”
“Okay, okay. You’re making me sound like the horrible, horrible person.”
Britt cleared her throat pointedly. “Hey, if the shoe fits …”
“I’m not saying I want Luke to ignore the kid. He’s been through a lot. I can’t imagine losing Mom when I was his age. And he doesn’t even have a dad in the picture. It just seemed like maybe Luke wasn’t as disappointed about the whole thing as I was.”
“What makes you think that?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m imagining things. It just seemed like he was a little … relieved to have the night end early.”
“Why don’t you give him the benefit of the doubt, Jo. If he hasn’t called you a week or two from now, then you’ll know, but you don’t need to be all doom and gloom when he had a perfectly legitimate reason for bringing you home early.”
Jo poured coffee and blew across the glassy surface trying to cool it down. “If I knew where I really stood with him, I might offer to bring over some chicken soup for Mateo and … I don’t know … watch a movie with them or something.”
Britt shrugged. “So, why don’t you?”
“Britt, for all I know Luke was having serious second thoughts and he simply used Mateo as an excuse.”
Britt studied her. “Or maybe you’re the one using Mateo as an excuse?”
“No, I’m not. Why would you think that?”
Britt put her hands on her hips. “Did you not learn anything from your breakup with Ben?”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning you sometimes have a tendency to expect the worst of people, and when you do that, they’re sure to give you the worst.”
“I didn’t expect the worst of Ben. He gave it to me without even being asked.”
“Jo. I think you know that’s not—”
“You know what? I’m not even going there. You didn’t see the side of Ben I did … after Mom got sick. He just sort of … checked out.”
She and Ben had been good together. Until Mom got sick.
And even though, technically, she’d been the one to say the words “it’s over,” he’d pretty much forced her hand because he was struggling with her being so tied down to Mom’s care. But she shouldn’t have had to choose between him and her dying mother. Never mind that if he’d just hung in there for a year—one year—there would have been nothing for him to struggle with.
But Ben had never been a patient man. And of course they hadn’t known then whether Mom had a year to live or three. At that time, she’d already beaten all the odds her oncologists had offered.
“I’m sorry, Britt. I’m just taking out my disappointment about last night on you. I really wasn’t trying to start an argument.”
“I know.” Her sister’s voice softened. “But I don’t want you to give up on a great guy before you even have a chance to see what he’s like.”
“I’m not giving up on Luke—the possibility of Luke. I’m only saying I don’t want to push things if he’s not ready for a relationship.”
“He wouldn’t have asked you out if he didn’t like you. If he wasn’t ready for a relationship.”
“Maybe. I think maybe I just need to wait until this whole thing with Mateo blows over.” She shook her head. “That didn’t sound right. I mean until they’ve found a home for him and Luke is more free to focus on other things.”
“Other things like … you?”
She laughed. “Well, of course.”
Britt smiled, but Jo could tell she was a little miffed. “I think it’s really amazing what he’s doing for that little boy.”
“Britt, I do too! I’m not saying anything at all against what he’s doing for Mateo. I’m just saying that maybe his focus should be somewhere else right now. And I don’t want to get in the way of that.”
“Whatever.” Britt waved a dismissive hand. “I’m going to start a load of bedding. Can you bring me yours?”
“Sure.” Jo set her coffee cup down too hard and went down the hall to strip her bed.
She yanked pillowcases and sheets off and wadded them into a ball. She knew her sister was right on some points. And she hadn’t fooled Britt for one minute with her self-righteous speech about not wanting to get in the way of Luke’s commitment to Mateo.
But she refused to get into a contest for Luke’s attention with a twelve-year-old. Or with a dead woman. Because while she couldn’t quite put her finger on it, something told her that part of Luke’s sense of responsibility for Mateo had some connection with the boy’s mother.
No, she’d had enough rejection where men were concerned. She wasn’t about to open herself up to more.
CHAPTER 16
THERE’S PHEE!” BRITT POINTED OUT her passenger side window to where travelers loaded down with luggage poured out of the terminal at Lambert International Airport.
Jo leaned forward to peer through the windshield from her place behind the wheel. “Oh, there they are. I see them.” Her stomach fluttered with excitement. It felt like Phee and Quinn had been gone for a month. She could hardly wait to hear all about their trip.
She eased the car forward in the pickup lane queue while Britt rolled down the window to flag them down.
When Phee and Quinn spotted them, they waved and hurried toward Jo’s car, pulling their bags behind them. Quinn actually wore a crazy Hawaiian shirt with his khakis. But it was Phee Joanna couldn’t take her eyes off of. Her older sister positively glowed.
Seeing Phee looking so elated, so relaxed and content, did Jo’s heart good. But a measure of jealousy stirred inside her at the same time. Your turn will come, Chandler. She had to keep reminding herself of that.
She put the car in Park, and she and Britt both jumped out to hug the newlyweds. They hugged Phee in turn, then turned to Quinn, who waited with outstretched arms. “Hey there, sisters! Appreciate the ride.”
Jo popped the trunk and helped them stuff their luggage into the small space.
Quinn and Phee cozied up together into the back seat, holding hands. As Jo navigated traffic back to the interstate, they talked a mile a minute and all at the same time, catching up on each other’s news.
It was so good to have Phee home. Even if she’d be sleeping at a new address across town for a few months until their house could be built.
“I bet Mabel is going to be glad to see us.” Phee tipped her head and kissed the stubble on Quinn’s throat. They’d boarded Quinn’s dog at a place in Cape while they were gone.
Quinn laughed. “That dog would be glad to see a burglar.”
Jo caught Quinn’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Do we need to stop and pick her up before I drop you off?”
“And where, exactly, do you propose we put Mabel?” Britt looked pointedly around the full car.
“We could tie her to the luggage rack.”
Quinn laughed. “Oh, she’d love that. She’d be wanting to ride that way all the time. But no, I’ll go get her later tonight. They said there’d be somebody there to let us in until seven.”
“Have you guys eaten?” Jo knew before she even asked what the answer would be.
“We’re good,” the newlyweds answered as one.
“We’re anxious to get home,” Phee said. “But don’t worry, I’m still planning on coming to help you guys paint tomorrow after work. Oh! How’d it go with the guests this weekend?”
“Never even knew they were there,” Brit
t said. “We left the key for them and they let themselves in and out. Left the place in pretty good shape too.”
“You call eating every last scone ‘pretty good shape’?”
Quinn laughed at that. “I’m with you, Jo.”
Britt grinned. “I may or may not have hidden a couple away in the freezer.”
“Dibs!” the sisters all yelled at once.
Quinn groaned and looked at the ceiling of the car. “Dear Lord, what have I gotten myself into?”
The sisters dissolved in giggles and Jo felt her jealousy melt away. At least for now. She wanted to enjoy the fact that her sister was home. Phee had found her happily ever after, and they all had a new brother to dote on … and, apparently, to entertain.
With Phee home, Jo found it hard to get up and go to work on Monday. It didn’t help that when she got to the office, Trenton and Cinda were both in foul moods and taking it out on anyone who got in their path. She didn’t know what they were arguing about, but the tension in the office was thick. Thankfully, tomorrow was the Fourth and the office would be closed for the holiday.
Things were even worse after lunch, and Joanna found Trent’s and Cinda’s bad moods rubbing off on her. But in truth, the Pritcherts weren’t entirely to blame. Jo was on pins and needles wondering if Luke would call to apologize for how their date had ended. Did she dare hope he might make good on the rain check he’d promised? After all, wasn’t the Fourth of July a great excuse for another date?
But every hour that went by and he didn’t call caused her hopes to plummet. Despite what she’d told Britt—and tried to convince herself of—she wasn’t quite ready to give up on Luke simply because of Mateo. After all, that was a temporary thing. The boy wouldn’t always be such a responsibility and distraction for Luke. Of course, if Mateo ended up with a local family, Luke would still be his “Big,” but that might be, at most, a twice-a-month commitment. She could live with that. Could even see the three of them spending time together occasionally.
Trenton buzzed for his next appointment and she sent the client back. She organized a desk drawer and filed some paperwork, but she couldn’t seem to shake thoughts of Luke. She was glad he was the type of guy to be involved in a program like Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and she was proud of him for being there for Mateo during such a tragic time. She just wished she’d met Luke at a less … distracted time in his life.
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