So, no. He hadn’t planned on telling me anything. We didn’t have that kind of relationship. My throat felt scratchy, like I’d swallowed a toothpick.
He bent and kissed me, a light, casual brush on the cheek. The kind of kiss you gave your sister. “See you later.”
And he was gone.
My hands curled in my lap as I stared down at my salad.No expectations.
“He’s leaving,” Phee said.
I picked up my fork. “I noticed.”
“You’re letting him go?”
“I can’t stop him.” I stabbed a piece of baby kale. “And Mr. Laurence shouldn’t be alone. He needs company.”
“I’m disappointed in you,” Phee said. “I thought you had more backbone. If you want something, you should go for it.”
I shot her laser eyes. What was I supposed to do? Tackle him?
Jo bounced by, dragging Eric with her. He wore chef whites, a black bandanna around his head like a pirate. “Hey, gang. How is everything?”
A chorus of compliments rose from the table. “It’s so good!” “Love the baby beets!” “Delicious!”
“I am proud of you,” Phee said.
No,I’m disappointed in youfor Jo. No sirree.
“You are pleased?” Eric asked Phee.
“My parents used to give the most wonderful parties. You have brought them back.”
A look passed between them. “Sehr gut,” he said quietly.
“Because of you.” Jo stooped to kiss her check. “Thanks, Aunt Phee.”
“It’s all wonderful,” I said. “I’m sorry Trey had to leave early.”
Jo nodded. “He told me.”
Of course he did. Because it was her party. Eric’s big night. And because they—Jo and Trey—were BFFs.
“I thought... Do you mind if I pack two dinners to go?” I asked. “For Trey and Mr. Laurence.”
“Nan will help you,” Eric said. He signaled her over.
“Three dinners,” Phee said. We all looked at her. “James needs company. I’ll bring Polly.”
“Because nothing saysGet well soonlike an ankle-biting little dog,” Jo said.
Eric smothered a grin with his large hand.
“Maybe you should stay here, Aunt Phee. I’ll probably be gone awhile.”
“We’ll need four dinners, then,” Phee said, undeterred.
Uh, no. Nope. “That’s sweet of you, Aunt Phee, but—”
She raised her chin, a gleam in her eyes. “We’ll take my car.”
