“Then maybe it’s not the right move, son,” Dad said.
“We’ll see.”
I didn’t want to shut Dad down, but I wasn’t the type who shied away when something was challenging. I was looking forward to meeting Jude Carson and finding out what made him tick. I liked working with people. It was one of the reasons why I essentially broke off from Sterling Investments. I needed more client contact, and my work at the company had been mostly strategic.
“I’m curious how this will turn out,” Mom said. “By the way, and not to change the subject, but I’ve started offering cooking classes at the store, too, in addition to the yoga and pottery classes. If you know anyone who’s interested, I’m offering a discount on the first class.”
“I’ll spread the word,” I promised, and there was a murmur of agreement around the room. We all tried to support our parents as best as we could. Chase took the cake, though.
A year ago, he bought back the store they’d owned when we were kids. Our parents sold it after their divorce because they couldn’t make the mortgage payments. They’d used the profit they made from the sale after paying what they owed to the bank to start over.
“So will I,” Hannah said. “I’ll share it with the guests who stay at the inn.”
“Thank you,” Mom replied, smiling at her.
“You can count on me, Grandma. I’ll tell people at school.” Jeremy nodded solemnly, looking like a carbon copy of Duncan.
Mom was over the moon. At first, I’d been skeptical about her and Dad being so close together for so many hours a day, considering they couldn’t see eye to eye for years after the divorce. However, after Jeremy was born, they mellowed out a bit, and then to everyone’s surprise, they were getting along fine. Hell, they were even semi-dating, although I didn’t know all the details and didn’twantto know them. Besides, they were each following their passion. Mom offered pottery, yoga, and now cooking classes, and Dad had a shop selling fishing equipment.
“All right, everyone. Let’s order some dinner. I tried a nearby pizza restaurant earlier this week, and it was great,” I said, looking straight at Jeremy.
He jumped up and down. “Yes! You’re the best, Uncle Griffin.”
Duncan chuckled. Yeah, I knew it was Jeremy’s favorite. That’s why I suggested it in the first place. Then again, it wasusually a crowd pleaser. The rest of the family instantly agreed to the idea as well.
“While we wait, how about I make some cocktails for everyone?” I suggested.
“Yes!” Jeremy exclaimed. “Can I help you?”
“Sure, buddy. Why not?”
The combined kitchen and bar area was a huge space—perfect for entertaining. We all gathered around the counter.
“Hit me up with what you want, everyone. Search for the recipe online, too, so I can check if I have the ingredients.”
“I’ll go easy on you,” Duncan said. “I want a mojito.”
“That’s real easy,” I agreed, taking out the chopping board so I could cut up the lime.
Jeremy came next to me, looking up expectantly.
“Jeremy, you can crush the ice.”
He nodded. “Okay.”
I liked having the family here in my home. Buying this house was one of my best ideas. It was far larger than what I needed, but it accommodated us all nicely without being overly uncomfortable.
While I took out a pack of sugar, my mind drifted to the meeting I had tomorrow. It was a good sign that he’d agreed to see me on a Saturday. It meant there was real interest on his end. As a rule, I usually took time off on weekends, but I’d made an exception this time.
“Uncle Griffin, you’re doing it wrong,” Jeremy said.Well, fuck.I’d been about to make my brother’s mojito with lemon instead of lime. “Are you thinking about work? Dad always says that thinking about the office in the kitchen is a bad idea.”
Duncan smiled proudly.
“Guilty as charged,” I replied.
Jeremy pointed at me. “That’s no good.”
“You’re right. I promise to focus 100 percent on making drinks.”
