Page 59

Dad says something in the background. I hear Wolf’s name, then Mom asks him to let her finish talking.

I scrape the batter from the side of the bowl. I understand why they’re worried. I was there for the surgeries and the months when Beau couldn’t put weight on his leg. I don’t need Dad to remind me who was responsible.

But Wolf didn’t have to get up and make me breakfast. Or leave the room so I could have this conversation without feeling any more uncomfortable than I already do.

"What did Dad say?" I ask.

"Nothing you haven’t heard."

Exactly.

"I’m fine, Mom. I promise."

She’s quiet for a moment.

"I know you can look after yourself. That doesn’t stop us from worrying."

"I know."

"And I don’t want you feeling like you owe him."

I glance toward the living room. Wolf has his phone against his ear now, his back to me.

"I don’t."

"All right."

She doesn’t sound convinced, but she asks about dinner when they come to Seattle. Dad wants somewhere he can get a decent steak. Beau apparently wants somewhere that won’t take two hours to bring him one. I tell her I’ll find a place that satisfies both demands.

Then I tell her about the tasting.

"The Second Shift gala?" she asks. "Baylor, that’s wonderful."

"It’s only a tasting. I don’t have the contract yet."

"They already know how to pick good people."

My throat tightens a little. We can agree on the foundation, at least.

"I’d really like to get it."

"I hope you do, sweetheart. Tell us how it goes."

"I will."

By the time we hang up, she’s asked me to send pictures of the cupcakes and reminded me to eat something besides frosting.

I look at my empty breakfast mug.

Already handled.

Wolf comes back into the kitchen as I set my phone beside the notebook. He puts his mug in the sink, then looks at the mixing bowl.

"Need me out of your way?"

"No. I’m just getting this batch in."

He nods and starts toward the hall.