“I didn’t get a chance to ask how your date with Aaron went last night.” Honey poured milk on her granola.
“First of all, itwasn’ta date.” Jewel sat down at the table. “Not in my mind, anyway.”
“What about inhismind?” Honey carried her bowl to the table and sat across from Jewel. “Didn’t you two used to date?”
“Mom used to date that guy with the pickup?” Cooper asked as she came into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Cooper.” Jewel tossed Honey a warning look. “I saw you out there with the bees. They don’t intimidate you?”
Cooper answered with an eye roll, then swiped an arm across her forehead as she yawned.
“You okay, sweetheart?” Honey asked her granddaughter. “Did you sleep well?”
“I guess. It was so hot up there, it took a long time to get to sleep.”
“Sorry about that.” Honey shook her head.
“Speaking of heat, I’m looking into getting some kind of AC,” Jewel told them. “Aaron recommended a guy.”
Cooper filled a cereal bowl. “Is that the dude you used to date?”
Jewel rolled her eyes. “He’s just the contractor setting up Grandma and Grandpa’s new house.”
“You sure that’s all, Mom? You guys looked pretty cozy yesterday.”
Jewel seemed aggravated but simply sipped her coffee.
“Is he your new boyfriend?” Cooper’s tone grew teasing.
“Mr. Hanford owns the manufactured house company,” Honey told Cooper. “I doubt there’s anything serious between him and your mother.”
“But he took her to dinner,” Cooper persisted.
“Yes, Coop, he took me to dinner,” Jewel said. “I’m trying to stay in his good graces. At least until the house is in place.”
“So you’re manipulating him?” Cooper had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she poured milk on her cereal.
“No,” Jewel stated firmly. “I’m just trying to keep things running smoothly. For some reason, he seems interested in renewing our friendship. Anything wrong with that?”
Cooper shrugged. “No, of course not. Just curious. Don’t overreact.” She held up her bowl of cereal. “I’m going to go eat this with Grandpa. He’s not as touchy as some people.”
Jewel made a snorting noise that made Honey laugh. “Family dynamics,” Honey said quietly. “You never know quite where they’re headed.”
“That’s for sure.”
“But she makes a good point. You’re not manipulating Aaron, are you? I mean, it’s impressive how fast the wheels of progress are turning on this new house business, but I hate to think you’re using your womanly wiles on him.”
“Womanly wiles?” Jewel frowned. “Are you serious, Mom?”
“Not too serious. Just curious.”
Jewel let out a long sigh. “To be honest, I had my own doubts. But I’m trying to keep everything with him aboveboard. If he takes my friendship as something more, that’s his problem.” She lowered her voice. “I’m curious though. Do you know anything about Miguel’s deceased wife? She was Aaron’s baby sister, and he seems to hold her death against Miguel. Is there a reason for that?”
Honey thought about this for a moment. “I do know there’s some bad blood between them, but honestly that’s all I know. And only because Marta confided to me once. Miguel never speaks of it.”
“Well, I think it’s a sore spot.” Jewel bit her lip. “And I saw Miguel and Anna last night, you know, when I was with Aaron. And it felt sort of awkward.”
Honey slowly nodded. “Well, you weren’t doing anything wrong. It’s too bad Aaron isn’t on friendlier terms with the Oroscos. Especially for his niece’s sake. Anna is such a sweet girl.”
