“We slept good,” Dad replied for them, though I could detect the lie on his lips too. He had bags under his eyes and a defeated tiredness in his expression that hadn’t been there a couple of days ago.
I’d heard the murmur of their voices late into the night, although I hadn’t made out their actual conversation. I hadn’t wanted to eavesdrop, so I’d plugged my headphones in and listened to music until sleep finally claimed me.
“Can I help with anything?” I asked, glancing around.
“Could you set the dining room table?” Mom asked me as she flipped a pancake in the frying pan.
Nodding, I placed my coffee down on the counter and set to the task. By the time I’d was done setting the table, my parents had finished cooking the food. I went back into the kitchen, spotting my mom putting the last of the food in the oven to keep it warm.
Picking my coffee up, I took a sip and leaned against the counter. “We haven’t had a family brunch in a long time,” I remarked. I couldn’t remember the last time, but it was before Calum left.
Mom exchanged a look with Dad before she answered, “I know. Maybe we’ll make it a regular thing if you’re still planning on coming home each weekend.”
“I am,” I answered with a smile. “But this weekend I’ll probably stay, just to catch up on what I’ve missed out on. I’ve got exams next week, so I’ll be pretty busy studying and whatnot. Then in two weeks I’m supposed to start my placement.”
“Makes sense.” Mom nodded, exchanging a look with Dad. “Did you figure out where your placement is going to be?”
“It’s unofficial until the paperwork is done, but I spoke to Don Keefer at Harmony Waves in Mahone Bay, and he’s willing to take me on as a co-op student. I’ll do three weeks of placement before returning to Dalhousie to prepare for graduation.”
“Oh, good. I was going to suggest you try Mrs. Prichard’s studio, but a recording studio sounds like fun!”
“I didn’t even think to ask Mrs. Prichard.” I slapped my hand to my forehead. “Oh well. I’m excited to learn the ropes of recording an album.”
“Isn’t that where your brother’s recording their next album?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s really great, Connor.” Mom smiled. Dad looked like he’d swallowed a nail.
“Will you be staying with us while you do your placement?” he finally asked.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly, thinking of my options. “I mean…I was thinking I’d move into Gramps’s house. It’s in town there, and…well.” I didn’t know if my answer upset him, as he immediately schooled his features, and I couldn’t get a read on him, but Mom’s smile grew.
“That sounds like a good idea, Connor. I’ll go through the house this week and get it ready for you. Gramps was a bit of a pack rat,” Mom chuckled. “We can get rid of anything you don’t want to keep, and please don’t feel obligated to keep anything if you don’t want it or have no use for it. Gramps would have wanted you to make it your own,” she stated, adding the last of the pancakes to the plate in the microwave.
“Okay, that sounds good.” I nodded. The idea of going through Gramps’s things alone had overwhelmed me.
“We’ll also take a look at that roof; I think it might be time for new shingles,” Dad replied.
“It’s been about twenty years since they last replaced the roof, so it’s probably time.” Mom nodded in agreement, then glanced at the clock on the microwave. “Speaking of time…they should be here soon. Let’s start bringing the food out.”
“Sure,” I said, putting my mug back on the counter to free up my hands.
When we were putting the rest of the food out, the doorbell rang—signaling the arrival of Calum, Harper, and Asher. Dad went to answer it while Mom and I stayed in the dining room. Mom fussed with the table, making sure everything was perfect.
“It’s going to be fine, Mom,” I assured her.
“You don’t need to ring that, just come in next time,” Dad said, his voice drifting over to where we stood.
“See?” I whispered, earning a smile from her.
“Hi, Grandpa!” Asher’s little voice drifted in, and I could all but hear the smile in my dad’s voice when he answered. The look in Mom’s eyes too, just hearing Asher call Dad that.
When my brother walked in, he looked a little on edge, but he easily found a smile for Mom. Everyone took their seats around the table. Asher sat between Dad and me, while Calum and Harper sat across the table from us.
“What would you like, honey?” Mom asked Asher.
“Pancakes, bacon, and sausage!” the little boy answered after checking out the spread of food laid out. Mom started loading up his plate, the happiest grin on her face. She was in her element with family around to cater to.
