“I could say the same of you.”
She shrugged. “One of the effects of aging, I’m afraid. My body doesn’t seem to need as much sleep as it used to. But you don’t have the same excuse. I thought you’d be enjoying a sleep in after the party last night.”
Hunter filled a mug with coffee from the pot on the counter before taking the chair opposite. “I didn’t stay up very late or drink too much.” He tapped the side of his head. “Just too much going on up here, and I’ve got things to do.” Yeah, that was it—leaving the party early had nothing to do with the fact he couldn’t get Aaron out of his mind and he’d thought being out of his presence would help.Yeah, as if.
“Is everything okay, Hunter? With work? I feel I really don’t know what’s going on in your life anymore.”
Of course not; we hardly talk.
“I’m fine, Mom. Just busy with work.”
“I wish we saw more of you. I don’t see you nearly as much as I’d like to, and I know Brooke is over-the-moon excited that you’re back in town. She misses you so much.”
“You know Brooke came to see me a few months ago, and we spent a couple of weeks together in the summer.”
“Vacationing with your sister isn’t the same as spending time together at home with your family. Your father and I like havingbothour children with us.”
Hunter wasn’t entirely convinced of that, but he nodded. Anything to avoid an argument.
“It’s important to have a united front, especially at times like the holidays.”
Ah, that makes more sense.
“Honestly, I’ve just been busy.” That part wasn’t a lie. He didn’t need to add that he hated the way he felt when he came back to Cavendish Crossing. “It’s hard to say no to new clients, especially when I’m just getting started. I can’t afford to turn people away, particularly clients who might recommend my work. I need to work hard, to keep my eye on the prize.” His recent award meant he had more requests for his services than ever and very little time to himself. But it was worth every hour of effort he put in, and he didn’t regret a thing. His business truly was a labor of love.
His mom raised one immaculately groomed eyebrow. She didn’t say anything, just studied him while he sipped his drink. After a moment, she leaned forward, arms crossed on the tabletop in front of her. “You know, Hunter, you’re a lot like me.”
“What?” He nearly spat his coffee. He wasnothinglike his mother.
“Once you set your mind to something, you want to do it well. You put all your effort and energy into being the best you can be—focused, dedicated. You don’t let anything stand in your way or stop you reaching that pinnacle of success.”
Huh?The only thing Hunter had seen his mom focus on was being the perfect Stepford wife. Although he grudgingly had to give her credit for all the hours she put in with her charities.
“I guess so.” It was simpler to agree and change the subject than to ask what the hell she was talking about. “So, how are arrangements coming along for the dance?”
“Oh my goodness. It’s been a madhouse. So much to do.” Melody smiled as she launched into a topic close to her heart. “I know we’ve done it countless times before, but it doesn’t get easier with each year. You’d think it would, wouldn’t you? You know how important the dance is; so many details to get right. And this year I’m run off my feet, what with your grandparents’ wedding anniversary party.”
“Can I help?”
“Actually, you can.” She smiled broadly, and Hunter almost wished he could pull back the words, realizing he’d fallen into her trap. “I was going to ask if you could assist with the decorations and setup for the dance. Mrs. Myers was going to coordinate, but her poor husband has been ill, so it would be a godsend if you could take over. Plus, it would be wonderful to have a Cavendish leading the endeavor. You wouldn’t have to do it all yourself, of course. There are a few other volunteers. But you’d be perfect for the job. With your interior design experience, you’d make sure it was done properly. Elegant, not trashy.”
“It’s fine, Mom. You don’t have to sell me. I don’t mind.” Well, he did a bit but reminded himself it was for the community.
“Wonderful.” She clapped her hands together. “I’ll let Mrs. Myers know that she’s off the hook. Anyway, I’m not sure what plans you have for the day, but if you’re willing to lend a hand with a few errands, I’d appreciate it.”
“Sure. I can do that.” He’d planned on hanging out with Brooke and the kids, but he could catch up with them later, after sorting out the Jeep. “What do you need?”
“Could you pick up some boxes from Artisan?”
“Artisan?”
“It’s a store over on Main Street. Aaron McBride opened it, oh, about two years ago now, I think.” Hunter’s heart fluttered at the mention of Aaron’s name. “He’s ordered in some decorations for the dance to freshen things up this year. The old decorations were getting a bit stale, and we thought we’d breath fresh life into the venue. The boxes need to be collected from Artisan and taken to the community hall.”
“Awesome.” His heart flip-flopped at the thought of seeing Aaron again so soon.Traitorous damn thing.
His mother didn’t appear to notice the sarcasm in his voice. “That’s fabulous, darling. Ask Don to drive you over, since your car is in the shop,” she said, falling back into her pattern of issuing orders and directing his every move.
Hunter bit his tongue, instead bringing his cup to his mouth again.
