She didn’t mind letting him drive. The two bags of food were at her feet. She searched for conversation. “So how do you like Mason?”

His answer was a look that said, What do you think?

Her face reddened a bit. “Right. You haven’t had it easy.”

He changed the subject. “How are you related to Seth and Paul?”

“I’m not. At least not by blood, but they helped raise me. Uncle Pauly’s stepfather owned the whole property. You know that the business office used to be his vet clinic, don’t you?”

“I had no idea. I’d like to know what’s what. Would you mind explaining things?” He was at the drive-through for the DQ. “What do you want? A large Coke? We can get dessert later.”

“I shouldn’t. They’re not healthy, but a tall vanilla cone covered in chocolate that cracks off in sheets... I can’t resist those things.”

Smiling, he ordered their drinks for starters, handed them to her, paid for them, then drove to the side and parked.

“Let me pay you back,” she said.

“Just tell me what I’ve walked into here and that’ll repay me in full.”

She told him about Kelly and Paul being childhood sweethearts. “Then he went away to Britain and realized he was gay. But by that time Kelly knew she was in love with Adam, who was about to go back to Africa with Kelly’s older sister.”

“I think I’m sorry I asked. Who is Jared? I keep hearing his name mentioned.”

Cait took a breath, but said nothing.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“He’s Kelly and Adam’s oldest son. They have two younger boys. Jared and I were...together, I guess you’d say.”

“But you’re not now?”

“No. What about you? I heard you were—” She didn’t finish.

“You can say it. Divorced. Yes, I am. Does everyone ask you to explain exactly what happened in your breakup and why?”

“Oh, yes! They drive me crazy about it.”

“But it’s no one’s business but your own.”

“Exactly! You ready for ice cream? I need to go to work.” She drew in her breath; she hadn’t meant to say that.

He was looking at her. “Your uncles expect you to work at night?”

She couldn’t think of a quick lie.

He opened the car door. “I’ll go get us ice cream while you think of an answer that is close to the truth but covers what is actually one great whopping lie.” He closed the car door.

Blinking, she watched him walk away. She hadn’t planned to tell him she was going to the vet clinic so he wouldn’t interfere. But actually, if two people worked on Betty’s chaos, it would be faster.