Mom’s brows rose. “News?” She glanced at Dad, then Annie and Jeffrey, excitement illuminating her face. “You met someone?”
I slouched. “No.” Jeez. Why was that always their first thought? And why did it feel like a slap every single time?
“Is this about taking over the shop?” Mom asked, drawing my attention back to her. “I know we kind of sprang it on you, but it’s been on our minds a long while.”
Dad smiled. “What are your thoughts so far?”
I released a slow, steadying breath. “I’d like some time off before you retire.”
“Of course,” Mom said. “Completely understandable. Your dad and I have things we want to do before we step down anyway. We’ll take care of those while you get away.”
Dad, the least oblivious of the Rini clan, stiffened slightly, and I got the feeling he was the only one picking up on my tension.
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m glad you’re on board. I’ve already made plans for this month.”
“When this month?” Mom asked. “Our calendar is wide open now that the vow renewal is over and we’re on standby for our first grandbaby.”
“The rest of it,” I said. “And about half of next month as well.”
Annie scoffed. “You’re taking off work for the rest of September?”
“And fourteen days in October,” I clarified.
Jeffrey murmured something against her hair.
Our parents exchanged a look.
“But I’m having a baby in eight weeks,” Annie said.
“I know, but I’ll only be away for six.”
Her eyes narrowed to slits, and Jeffrey slipped his other arm around her, presumably to prevent the bare-handed murdering Cecily had predicted.
Dad rubbed a finger across his bottom lip. “I don’t understand. You want to take all that time off work?”
“Yes.”
Mom drained her glass of wine.
“Why?” he asked.
That answer was complicated, and not something I wanted to share with the group. So I focused on the facts I thought they’d understand. “I rented the manor behind Village Books, the indie bookshop in Amherst. I know the owner through our online group, and she’s a very nice lady. I’ll be safe.”
I scanned their pinched faces, seeking support. When I didn’t find any, my gut demanded I take the words back immediately.
Inner Emily rooted her feet in place.
If I didn’t do this now, I’d wind up working a hundred hours a week until I died restocking the shelves and some unfortunate patron discovered my miserably single skeleton, probably surrounded by cats.
Annie set small, outraged hands on newly rounded hips. “You’re leaving town for the entire rest of my pregnancy. Why are you always so dramatic?”
“I’m taking an overdue break from work,” I snapped. “That’s not being dramatic. Besides, like you said, you aren’t due for eight weeks.”
“First babies can come early.”
“Or they can be late,” I said. “Just like every baby. This isn’t about you, Annie. It’s about me. And if I don’t go now, when can I?”
Her jaw locked. “So, you’re just going on vacation and leaving Mom, Dad, and me to handle everything at the store?”
