The three of them headed up the deck steps, but Luke hung back, watching until they disappeared into the house. Hisgaze flickered up to the white structure, then over the pretty property. His eyes drifted over the crowd, mostly strangers, mingling on the deck and lawn.
Bill was still consoling Becky over by the grill, Olivia must’ve retreated to her kitchen duties, and the rest of the party carried on as if nothing had even happened.
Chapter 12
Once Allie had a cookie, she joined her mom and sister in the kitchen where the aromas of prime rib and yeast made her stomach turn. Normally she’d be outside keeping her nephew and nieces out of trouble, but as Allie had just lost a prized antique car and subsequently let someone else take the blame, she figured she should probably make herself useful.
She helped the others carry food to the tables set up on the lawn under the shade of the big oak tree. The sun was setting, streaking the sky with pink and lavender, and an evening breeze beat back the heat of the day.
Her mother had recovered from her shock and was now in the-show-must-go-on mode. Allie had to admit, they’d done a wonderful job setting up the party. Fresh flowers and balloons adorned a dozen round tables. They were beautifully set with china, their white tablecloths fluttering in the breeze. Twinkle lights draped the tree branches above, creating a space that would feel intimate when darkness pressed in.
Allie set down a platter of corn on the cob and scannedthe crowd for Luke. She found him tossing a football with her nephew. She’d hunt him down later. He’d come through for her, at his own risk, and that meant more than he could know. She couldn’t let the blame fall on him, however.
She passed the assortment of hot foods, salad, and the coolers of bottled drinks. At the end of the table, silverware was set out with cups and napkins and—
Allie did a double take. She’d brought white napkins—the really nice ones that were practically cloth. But the napkins on the table were blue.
Heat flushed through her limbs, leaching into her face. Her mom had brought backup napkins. Allie’s muscles quivered and her fingers twitched. She scanned the table. But no, her white napkins were nowhere to be found.
Her mom passed with a crock of something. “Honey, can you get the candles for the cake? They’re on the kitchen—What’s wrong?”
“Where are my napkins?” Allie tried hard for a level tone and didn’t quite succeed.
“Oh, they’re inside. I saw the blue ones at the store and thought they’d look wonderful against the white tablecloth. Pretty, don’t you think?”
“But you asked me to bring the napkins—and I did.”
Her mom blinked at her. “Well, sure, honey. We can put them out, too, if you want.”
“That’s not the point, Mom.”
Her mom set the crock down and tilted her head at Allie. “Then what is the point, dear?”
“I wish you’d just—” She struggled for the words. But now that she was trying to verbalize her thoughts, it all sounded sostupid. Besides, there was the stolen car to consider. “Never mind.”
Allie turned to go.
Mom took her hand. “Honey, what is it? If this is about the car, I’m sorry I flipped out on you. But it was terribly upsetting, as I’m sure you can imagine.”
“It’s not the car, Mom. Or not just the car.” Allie huffed, collecting her thoughts. “You don’t trust me to do anything. You treat me like I’m incapable of carrying out the most basic tasks—I can’t even be trusted withnapkins.”
“I just thought blue would look so—”
“This is not the first time. If I’m assigned cups you bring extra, just to make sure. If I have an important appointment, you call to remind me. I can handle basic tasks, Mom.”
Her mom glanced sheepishly at the napkins.
“I know I’ve been a little changeable in the past,” Allie continued. “I still am—that’s just who I am. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a capable adult. That’s the reason I was so adamant about bringing the car up here. I wanted to prove to you that I could follow through. That you could count on me.” Allie threw her hands up. “And now look what’s happened.”
Mom squeezed Allie’s hand. “Well, that wasn’t your fault, honey.”
Allie caught a glimpse of Luke across the lawn, still tossing the ball with Evan. Ella had joined them, and Luke had taken the spot of man-in-the-middle. As far as Allie knew, neither of her parents had even spoken to him since his confession. Since they’d turned their disappointment on Luke. Allie couldn’t get his stricken look out of her mind.
Allie faced her mother, her spine straightening. “You know,Mom, it wasn’t really Luke’s fault—it was mine.Ileft the keys in the car. He was only being nice, taking the blame for me. And I’m really sorry to disappoint you. I’ll do everything I can to get that car back.
“But you know what? You’re basically the only parents Luke has. He loves you guys, and you need to let him know that you’re going to love him no matter what he does—even if he loses a priceless car.” Allie’s throat tightened and the words constricted.
Her mom’s face softened, her lips going slack. She gave Allie a long, speculative look. “And maybe you need that, too, honey?”
