I understand where he’s coming from, but thinking about his fall is still a bit scary for me. “You’re resting, which is what you’re supposed to do,” I remind him. “Because falling off a ladder is what actually could’ve killed you. So when you do go back to work, you need to promise me you’ll be more careful, okay?”

“Hey, who’s the parent here?” he gripes.

“Dad. Please.”

He heaves out a loud sigh. “Yeah, yeah, all right. I hear ya.”

While listening to him complain about something else, I gather stuff up so me and Leo can leave. As I’m finishing, I spot Elise and Grant rounding the gazebo and strolling down the path that cuts through the middle of the green. Elise smiles and waves when she sees me.

I give her a wave in return, though the gesture feels unnatural. I don’t make it a habit of waving to people I spot in town. If I did that, then I’d never get anything done, because every person would want to stop and gossip. I don’t have the time for that or the interest.

But May’s grandparents would likely be coming over to talk whether I waved or not, so I hastily tell my dad I need to go and promise to pick up that part for his employee. Can’t have him overhearing anything incriminating Elise or Grant might say.

“Do you mind throwing this stuff in the back of my truck?” I ask Leo as they approach us. “I’ll be right there to drive you back to the inn.”

He takes everything without complaint, and I’m ashamed of my relief at getting rid of both him and my dad. I don’t want anything to blow Brenden’s cover, but really, I’m worried about my own secret just as much. And I guess it’s a little ridiculous that I’m a grown ass man still afraid of what my dad might think of me if he found out I wasn’t straight.

But I don’t have the time to dwell on my issues, because Elise and Grant reach me right as Leo walks off the other direction.

“Travis, hi!” Elise greets me. “It’s a gorgeous day, isn’t it?”

“Sure is,” I reply, offering her a smile.

Grant gestures to what’s set up behind me. “Is this your booth? I thought Brenden said you refuse to have a booth at the festivals.”

I frown, because while that’s true, it kind of makes me sound like an ass, doesn’t it? “I serve people all day long inside the diner,” I explain somewhat defensively. “I’d rather not walk outside and have to do the same thing.”

Elise laughs. “I suppose that’s fair. So what’s this then?”