The thought of Cam sent a rush of emotion tumbling through me like an uncoordinated circus. “No boyfriend. Look, I have to go. I just got to my sister’s place. Send me over the client’s wish list, and I’ll get started on that new design.”

“You got it. Steer clear of the big-haired lady. We need you intact.”

“Ha-ha.” I hung up with him as I walked into Mother Lode.

Charity was at the tail end of a staff meeting, so I nodded to her and sat at a table. It had been a week since Art’s accident. He was off the ventilator and recovering, but I only knew that from a few of Cam’s text messages.

I hadn’t seen him or heard his voice since he’d hopped on the snowmobile and taken off. I also hadn’t said a word about what happened between us. Not to Cam. Not to Thea. Not to Walt when he took me up to the mine, since Cam was on a weird schedule with Xander, both watching over their dad in shifts.

His words were eating me alive.

“What’s up?” Charity asked as the last of her staff filtered out.

I looked at my sister and tried to find the words, but instead, I ended up doing a weird fish-out-of-water thing where basically I just opened and shut my mouth a bunch. Finally, I uttered one word: “Milkshake.”

It was our oldest, most sacred ritual.

“Camden Daniels,” she guessed with a sigh.

“Basically.”

“Well, I have Meredith opening, so I’m free. But you’re buying.” She took her coat off the rack.

“You sure? I know how busy you get.”

“You’re my sister. I’m sure. Besides, I owe you for this weekend. Rose’s costume looks amazing for the play. Now get off your butt before I make you start scrubbing tables.” She nodded, and I moved.

We were seated in the back booth at Bigg’s, where Charity made sure no one could hear us, before I said a word.

“Okay, so—”

“Hold up.” Charity raised her finger, and sure enough, Tillie Halverson walked over to take our order.

“Hey, Willow! Charity.” Tillie’s tone didn’t mince words.

“It’s so nice to see you, Tillie!” Charity responded with an Oscar-worthy smile and nose wrinkle.

“Hmmm,” Tillie responded, then took our order. “So is there any truth to the rumors about you and Cam?” she asked me outright once we were finished.

“Rumors?” I asked after nearly sputtering my water all over the table.

“Oh, that you two are hot and heavy, seeing that you’re his restoration girl?” Tillie sized me up with a smile.

I had to be seeing things.

“I’m not sure what you mean by hot and heavy, but yes, I’m helping him with the restorations. Cam and I have been friends since I was born, Tillie.”