“Heck yeah.” She took the phone and extended her long arm in front of them. “Smile!” She clicked the picture. “Nice way to start off a great adventure. So, I’ll be in the room next door. Anything, day or night, come get me. For now, I’ll run next door and call downstairs about your bag, and then I’ll be right back.”

Kelly’s phone rang in Brenda’s hand before she could even leave. “Your mom.”

Kelly grimaced. “I have to talk to her, or she’ll be worried sick. She thinks I’m in Orlando at an RBA show.”

Brenda laid the phone on the bed and put it on speaker. “Nothing about the show, and keep it as short as possible.”

“Hey, Mom. I just landed.”

“That’s great, honey. I just wanted to hear your voice. This is the first time we’ve been so far apart.”

“I know. I just got here, but everything is fine.”

“Were you afraid? You didn’t sit next to anyone sick, did you? I’ve heard those planes are like one giant petri dish.”

“No. The flight was really good. I wasn’t afraid at all.”

“I’m so proud of you. Well, you take care. I won’t bother you. Have a wonderful time and learn a lot. We miss you already, honey.”

“I miss you too.”

“Kelly, I thought I’d better warn you before you get back.” Mom’s voice sounded strange.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing really, but your dad’s been talking about retiring for a while now, and I think he’s actually ready to do something. I just didn’t want you to be blindsided if you came home and he was talking about it or had gotten a wild hair and done something.”

She agreed it was time for Dad to slow down a little. All that talk about throwing a party for Mom had probably stemmed from the whole retirement thing. Those surprises she was hoping to afford with her winnings for the diner might not be as good of an idea as she thought. “You know, there’s nothing wrong with him letting Kenny handle the kitchen. He’s a great cook, and he’s dependable. I’ve told him that before.”

“That’s just it. Kenny gave his notice today. He’s moving back to Georgia to be closer to his kids. Honey, your dad’s talking about selling the restaurant. He said he’s ready to throw in the towel and apron and relax a little. Go fishing. Take some trips. Do what retired people do. Whatever that is.”

Kelly leaned against the bed for support. “I could take over the cafe.”