Tiny shrugs. “We don’t have something in our allow that claims we are able to’t serve grilled cheese.”

I hand him again the notecard. There’s no means I’m doing that to Blake, even when he’s my competitors. As a result of he’s additionally my buddy. And in addition to, he’s solely right here for an additional six weeks or so. We now have to discover a strategy to survive—and thrive—with or with out him right here.

And undoubtedly with out sabotaging him within the course of. “Tiny, we are able to’t do it.”

His scowl clouds the entire kitchen, and he waves his soiled spoon at me. “That boy’s gotten to you.”

“No.” My face heats, and it’s not the chili’s fault. “I simply…”

“Lucy.” My teen waitress, Jenny, comes racing into the kitchen. “I want your assist now. One of many bathrooms is overflowing within the males’s room. Assist!”

Saved by a disaster! I press the notecard again into Tiny’s arms. “I really like the initiative you’re taking. Sustain the great work in right here. We’ll speak about this later, okay?” And we’ll. Principally about how I can’t undermine Blake, even when it makes me look weak.

However no time to consider that now, as a result of right here I’m going once more, speeding off to attempt to remedy yet one more catastrophe that I really feel unqualified for—as a result of what am I? A plumber?

Then once more, perhaps I’d make a greater plumber than a businesswoman. As a result of a great businesswoman in all probability would have jumped at any likelihood to squash her opponent. She’d see a weak spot, a chink within the armor, and dive proper on into the fray, not caring one bit what occurred to the man who’d stolen all of her clients.

However then I take into consideration these BOGO coupons sitting on Blake’s counter. About the best way he helped me make baklava. About the way it felt final evening on the bonfire when he ignored me, attempting to maintain his distance regardless of the seems he stored sending my means.

And I do know that my coronary heart has already determined what my head can’t comprehend. That Tiny’s completely proper.

And it’s potential my lack of ability to not fall in love with Blake Moffitt would be the downfall of The Inexperienced Robin.

nineteen

BLAKE

My relationship with my dad was sophisticated. However Father’s Day nonetheless hits laborious yearly since he’s been gone.

“Thanks for closing up early immediately.” Marilee sighs from the passenger seat of my dad’s crimson sports activities automotive, which I’ve taken to driving round after I don’t need to stroll. “It was good to go go to them collectively.”

“Yeah, it was.” I put the automotive into Park beside Lucy’s Corolla, pull the keys from the ignition. The home’s entrance window is darkish, which in all probability means Lucy is in her bed room. Probably sleeping, given the late hour. Reaching over, I squeeze Mare’s elbow. “I’m glad I used to be right here this 12 months.”

And though my sister and I are good, the identical previous guilt pricks me—as a result of for the final 5 Father’s Days, Mare has needed to go to the cemetery alone. Or perhaps Lucy’s gone together with her. She’s a great buddy like that. Regardless, I’m doing issues in a different way now. Even after I return to L.A., I’ll be again for the vital stuff. Mare and I solely have one another now, and I’m not going to desert her like I did earlier than.

We each climb from the automotive and pad up the porch steps, coming into the home quietly so we don’t wake a probably sleeping Lucy. However then I see that the again door is cracked, and I could make out her profile there on the porch swing. She’s sitting at nighttime, beneath a blanket of stars—and an previous quilt of Mother’s—and though I do know it will be higher for us each if I went straight to my bed room, her very presence is sort of a beacon, calling me, calling me house.

“I’m headed to mattress. Early shift at work.” It’s Mare’s flip to squeeze my elbow. “She likes sizzling chocolate.”

I do know what she’s implying. Nicely, not even implying. Straight up saying in that Marilee means of hers. “I shouldn’t.” I say this with out trying away from Lucy.

“Have you considered what I stated a couple of nights in the past?”

I’ve tried to not, actually, however after all, the knowledge in my sister’s phrases has been locked in my mind for the final forty-eight hours. Nonetheless, I’m not any nearer to figuring out what to do with these emotions or ideas.

So I merely shrug.

“If nothing else, will you test on her? She spent all day celebrating her uncle, and though she in all probability gained’t say it, I feel immediately’s laborious on her too.”

I shut my eyes. In fact. Lucy misplaced her personal dad a very long time in the past, however that doesn’t imply she’s “extra used to” the loss a day like immediately brings. Giving my sister a nod, I trudge into the kitchen and discover the elements to make selfmade sizzling cocoa.

Mare heads to mattress whereas I work, and shortly I’ve melted and whisked and waited till it’s perfection. Pouring the cocoa into two mugs, I head for the again door and nudge it open with my foot.

Lucy’s head jolts towards me. “Hey.” Her eyes widen at what I’m carrying. “Did you make me one thing?”

“No, each of those are for me.” I giggle when she stands out her tongue, then gently hand off a purple-and-pink mug to her. “Thoughts if I be a part of you for a minute?”

She shakes her head and shifts over a bit to make room for me, pulling the quilt towards her together with her free hand. After I settle onto the swing—the wooden creaking with my efforts—she flings the far fringe of the blanket over my lap. The motion is so fast, so informal, that I do know it’s not calculated. She’s not attempting to get all cozy with me. She’s simply being thoughtful.

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