“Then you and Beryl going to head home?”
“Beryl’s got to finish up her baking. Once that’s done, we will. Unless you need us for something.”
He shook his head. “Nah. I just like having you guys around. It’s weird just me and Ruthie in the house, you know?”
She smiled. “That’s sweet of you to say, but your dad will be back tomorrow.”
“I know.” He shrugged. “I guess living with Addison and being ignored most of the time has made me more appreciative of company.”
Her heart broke a little. Hard for it not to when she thought about what he’d gone through. “We could stay, if you want. Maybe watch a movie or some such?”
“Yeah? A movie would be good. You guys could pick it. Anything you want. And I’m sure there will be enough chicken for all of us.”
Wasn’t he sweet? “I’ll just go have a chat with Beryl.”
“Okay.”
She headed to the kitchen and leaned in toward her sister. “We’re staying for dinner and a movie.”
“Staying where?”
“Here. The lad’s a bit lonely with his dad gone.”
“Oh, bless him,” Beryl said. “It’s all right with me.”
“He said we can pick the movie.”
“Is that right?” Beryl got a look in her eyes. “I vote forKate and Leopold. You know how I love that Hugh Jackman.”
“I do,” Joyce said. “He is a bit of all right, isn’t he? I don’t know if Kyle will feel quite the same, though.”
“He said we could pick, didn’t he?”
“True.” Joyce laughed. “Well, that’s what he gets, I suppose.”
“Won’t hurt him none to watch a love story.” The oven beeped and Beryl slid the two pans of Chelsea buns in, then set the timer.
“I don’t suppose it will.” Joyce went back to her cleaning. It took her a little longer to finish than she’d thought, but when she was done, there wasn’t a surface that hadn’t been left sparkling or polished or spotless.
She lifted her chin, proud of her work. Bunny trotted in just as she was about to close the door. “Oh, no, you don’t. I won’t have dog hair all over everything. Out with you now, you scamp.”
Bunny gave Joyce a look. Joyce shook her head. “Nope. Out.”
Bunny didn’t budge.
The aroma of the buns drifted in, giving Joyce an idea. “I’ll give you a cookie.”
With a sigh, Bunny trotted back out. Joyce kept her word and gave her a doggy biscuit. The Chelsea buns were out and on the cooling rack, the lemony-fruity scent of them making her mouth water.
Beryl was cleaning up in the kitchen. “Kyle took Ruthie down to the pool, but I suspect they’ll be up soon. I’ve already put the chicken in to roast. Anything else I can do?”
Joyce looked around. “The table needs set, but I’d like to pop home and take a shower before dinner. I worked up quite a sweat today.”
“Go on then, you’ve got time. I’ll take care of things here.”
When Joyce got back, Beryl had the table set. She’d also made a small salad. She looked up as Joyce came in. “That was quick. Chicken won’t be out for another twenty minutes.”
“Didn’t want to hold anyone up.” Joyce looked around. “Are Kyle and Ruthie still in the pool?”
