Dad and I drove in the quiet. It was nice having this time with just him, without Skylar or Nans or Grandpa or a million other family members. I actually didn’t mind the slow pace of the day. I hoped things didn’t speed up too quickly.

Chapter Three My BFF Is Back!

I didn’t have to worry about things going quickly, because even though the next day was kind of slow at Donut Dreams, it had a nice rhythm.

Kelsey and I were pretty good about splitting the “ick” stuff, as we called it, like hosing down the mat behind the counter or making sure the chairs were clean underneath (you wouldn’t believe). I liked chatting with the customers, and I knew almost everyone who came in.

After a flurry of morning customers, I had a second to sip some water. I was itching to check my phone because I knew my best friend, Casey, was coming home today, and I couldn’t wait to see her.

But even though my phone was in my apron pocket, Grandpa had been especially vigilant this morning, and I didn’t want him to catch me using it.

Grandpa has been telling every customer that he now has six out of seven grandchildren working at the restaurant.

“One more and it’s a full house!” he’ll say.

I cannot imagine Sky working… at all. He’d probably complain the entire time and try to eat all the donuts.

On the one hand, it is nice to work with my family because we help each other out. One day, while here after school, Lily dropped a huge tray she was carrying, and it made such a loud crashing sound that everyone stopped talking and stared at her.

In a flash Molly, Jenna, and Rich ran over to help her, and they got everything up off the ground in record time.

Another time crazy Mr. Brown, who is known to have a temper, yelled at Jenna for not toasting his bread well enough, and Grandpa walked over and said, “Hey, Ed, are you yelling at one of my favorite granddaughters over a tuna sandwich?” and calmed him down right away.

Family always has your back, and while Grandpa can be tough, he is also pretty protective of us.

I was busy wiping down the counter when I heard someone scream, “I’M BAAAAAACK!” That could only be one person: Casey, my best friend in the entire world! We’ve been friends since we were born, because we were born exactly one day apart and were in the hospital together.