“He said you had just left the office. So … sit.” She nodded toward the barstool. “Tell me everything. I want to know everything you’ve been up to while I’ve been in California.” With a knife in one hand she used her other arm to give me a side hug and kiss on my head.

She didn’t want to know what I’d been up to.

“Just working.” I climbed onto the stool and rested my crossed arms on the counter. “I work in the office with Hailey some days and other days I go to job sites with Fisher. Church on Sundays. Evening walks. Crossword puzzles.”

“Crossword puzzles? You like them?”

I nodded.

“Your dad did too.”

“I know. That’s why I construct them.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re constructing them?”

Another nod.

“Oh, Reese … your dad would be so proud.”

“I think so too. It makes me feel close to him.”

“Well, you’ll have to let me see them. I used to try to solve your dad’s, but I was terrible at it.”

“How was California?”

“Amazing. More than amazing! I feel all energized with fun new skills and techniques to use on clients. I go back to work tomorrow. I was thinking we need to get you a car.”

“Yeah, I was thinking that too. Fisher gives me a ride some days, but other days, like today, I drive into the office by myself.”

“I can ask my parents—your grandparents—for some help to get you a car.”

“I can afford a car.”

Rory gave me a fake smile of recognition. “Of course. Your dad left you money.”

“Yeah. I was going to look for one right away, but then you left, and I had your car to drive, so there wasn’t the urgency. I should go look for one tomorrow. I’ll ask Fisher for—”

“Ask Fisher for what?” Fisher said, coming down the stairs.

“Hey, there’s my handsome guy.” Rory dropped her knife, wiped her hands, and hugged Fisher.

I wondered why she wasn’t interested in him. Clearly, she liked him. Maybe the age thing bothered her more than it bothered me.

Fisher sat right next to me. He could have chosen a different stool or even scooted that stool over a few inches, but he didn’t. “What do you need to ask me?” He rested his arms on the counter and nudged my elbow. It was so … weird.

Dare I say it was brotherly?

“I need to buy a car.”

“And you need to borrow money? How much do you need?”

I shook my head. “No. I have money. I need time off tomorrow to go get a car.”

“You taking her?” He glanced up at Rory.

“Not tomorrow. I have to work. I can see about getting off early on Saturday and taking her.”

“Why does anyone have to take me? I’ll get an Uber and drive my new car home.”