“Thank you,” Zoe said. “I think it was harder for Gabby and our older brother. I only have vague memories of our father.”
Trying to change the subject from the depressing turn it had taken, Tim asked, “Are you going to be working at the base?”
“No, I’m opening my own business,” Zoe said.
Gabby said something in Portuguese. Zoe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, blowing it out through pursed lips. This must be a contentious topic between the sisters.
“What kind of business?” he asked.
“A bookstore.”
Bree set her glass down with a thud and leaned around Jase. “Did you say a bookstore?”
“Yes?”
Pushing her chair back, Bree stood and tapped Jase’s shoulder. “Switch seats with me.”
Shooting Bree an amused look, he obliged and took her seat against the wall, switching their water glasses as he sat.
Denise pushed back her chair, dislodging Sprocket behind her. Walking around Chris and Gabby, she waved her hand at Tim. “You too.”
“But I like my seat,” he said. “And I’ve already had to move once.”
“Timothy,” she said with a warning in her voice.
“Fine.” It was anything but fine. He wanted to stay in his seat next to Zoe where he occasionally caught a whiff of her soft floral scent. Chris probably smelled like…
“Why do you smell like motor oil and fish?”
“I was checking out a boat.” He glanced at Bree and Denise, crowded around Zoe. “This is how I lose my wife. She’s going to leave me to go live in a bookstore now that she knows someone who owns one.”
Elba and April returned, and Elba explained what each dish was as she set the large platters down in the center of the table. “Does anyone need anything else?”
“I’m good. This looks so delicious.” Bree looked up from the spread. “Thank you.”
Elba grinned. “Let me know how you like everything.”
“Does she cater?” Bree asked after Elba had moved to another table. “Because if the food tastes as good as it looks, I might need her to do the food for our reception.”
“I don’t know,” Zoe said. “I know she wants to expand into dinner service, so she may.”
“I thought you were grilling,” Tim said.
Jase’s eyes bugged out and he mouthed,you are dead. Bree sat up straight and slowly turned her head to look at Jase.
“Oh boy,” Denise murmured.
“Country wedding does not translate to redneck backyard barbecue.” Bree’s voice rose at the end.
“Babe, it was just a suggestion to help save money.”
Bree pointed her fork at him. “Don’t ‘babe’ me. We’re already saving money by having it at the house. And Gran is paying for the reception.”
“You know how I feel about that,” he said.
“Feel free to discuss your misgivings with her.” Bree picked up a mini quiche and ate it while staring him down. She stopped glaring at him to look down at her plate. “Oh my god. This is so good. I really hope she caters.”
She closed her eyes and moaned as she chewed. Jase leaned closer, whispered in her ear. She glared at him for a moment, then kissed him. “I’m still annoyed.”
