“Mrs. Carlisle?” I whisper.
Oh, that’s right. Hayes said it was her appointment today and had suggested we get lunch, but then we were interrupted by Monroe begging for a cat so she could hug one for National Cat Hugging Day. I never got the time they’d be here.
“Great timing,” Elias says. “You’ve been saved by a brown-haired middle-aged woman who is ‘Not Slim and Kind of Shady.’” He sounds confused reading her sweatshirt.
I can’t help but chuckle. “Just give me a minute.”
I stand, but she reaches the table before I can get some distance from Elias.
Her arms were out three tables away, and she swamps me in one of her tight hugs, swaying us right and left. “I’m cancer-free.”
She says it so loudly that the tables around us clap. She pulls back, her cheeks growing red and waving for people to stop cheering for her, but when they don’t, she preens under the attention. It’s well deserved after everything she went through.
“Congratulations,” I say, hugging her again.
My eyes stray to Hayes and his dad at the cash register. Hayes is staring at me, then Elias, then back at me. He looks just like he did that day at the ice cream parlor when that guy made the shitty remark about his play.
“I know. And I heard about you and Hayes,” she whispers—not nearly quiet enough, but that’s always been Mrs. Carlisle. Callie got her loud personality from her mom. “Your secret is safe with me, but I’m so happy.” She throws her arms around me again, swaying us, and nausea erupts in my stomach. “I always wanted you for a daughter-in-law.”
Oh boy, she’s laying it on thick.
“Leighton,” Mr. Carlisle says, carrying over the trays. “Let me put these down.” He steps over to the table with Elias. “Hi, son, you don’t mind, do you?”
“By all means.” Elias leans back in his chair, eating his apple, watching the entire scene unfold.
“Mrs. Carlisle was just telling me the great news. You must be ecstatic.” I hug him, but I’m not really in the moment. My mind is on the large figure approaching us, his jaw tight, holding a stack of napkins.
“Thank God. This was the worst year of my life,” he whispers in my ear.
Tears prick my eyes, and I tighten my arms to comfort Mr. Carlisle. I understand how relieved he must be right now.
“Introductions, Leighton,” Elias says.
Mr. Carlise pulls away and holds out his hand. “Dave Carlisle, and this is my wife, Jennifer.”
Elias introduces himself and gets up and shakes both of their hands, then goes to pick up his tray. “I’ll leave you guys to catch up.”
“Nonsense.” Mr. Carlisle sits down next to where Elias was. “We don’t bite.”
Elias’s eyes meet mine, questioning what he should do. I’d really like him to leave?—
“Hayes, what took you so long?” Mrs. Carlisle puts her arm through his, bringing him over.
He drops the napkins on the table but doesn’t sit.
“Hayes Carlisle?” Elias asks, causing Hayes’s gaze to move from me to him.
Hayes smacks on a fake smile and puts out his hand. “Yeah.”
“Hayes, this is Elias. He’s a doctor on the OB/GYN floor,” I say.
They shake hands, and I watch Elias give a slight grimace, making me wonder how hard Hayes is shaking his hand. “You’ve been playing out of your shoes this year.”
If I thought Hayes’s jaw was stiff before, it’s granite now. Although Elias meant it as a compliment, Hayes still holds so many wounds from last year.
“I know, he’s having an amazing year.” Mrs. Carlisle puts her free arm in mine. “I think it’s because of a certain someone.” She winks at me, but Hayes has yet to even acknowledge me.
“He should be a shoo-in for the Gold Glove, and if not, it’s all rigged.” Mr. Carlisle put dishes in front of the three empty chairs at the table. “Come and eat, the food’s getting cold.”
