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“When’s she scheduled to come in next?”
Elyse walked over to the clipboard hanging over the counter and squinted at it. “Today at three.”
Perfect. Penny had knitting tonight, so she’d be able to talk to Roxanne about the party then.
Caleb picked up the rack of dirty dishes and disappeared into the back. Penny chewed on her lip as she watched the swinging door flap in his wake. After a moment’s deliberation, she got up and followed him.
She’d never seen the kitchen area before, although she’d caught glimpses of it through the round window in the swinging door. The small space was dominated by a behemoth industrial fridge hulking beside a stainless steel food prep counter, and an entire wall of metal shelves full of beverage supplies.
Caleb looked up from loading the dishwasher, startled at her appearance. “What are you doing back here?”
“I’m talking to you about the party.”
He shut the dishwasher and stood upright, sliding his hands into his back pockets.
“Are you mad about it?” Penny asked, moving closer to him.
His brows drew together as he shook his head. “It’s fine.”
He was wearing her favorite plaid shirt today, and she reached up and ran her hands over his chest. “It doesn’t seem fine.”
“I’m sorry.” He wound his arms around her and pulled her into a hug, pressing his lips against her temple.
“What’s wrong?” Penny asked as she rested her cheek against his chest. His heartbeat fluttered in her ear.
“I’m just being selfish.” She could feel him struggling to get the words out as he drew a long, slow breath. Opening up didn’t come naturally to him, but he’d been getting better at it. “I don’t want to share you. We’ve only got so much time left, and I don’t want to spend it with a bunch of people I barely know instead of with you.”
Penny felt her heart turn over. “Oh.” She hadn’t even considered that. She’d just wanted something else to focus on besides the fact that Caleb was leaving soon.
His hands rubbed circles over her back. “It’s dumb.”
“It’s not. I won’t do the party.”
He pulled back and shook his head, frowning. “No. George should have a party. It’s the right thing to do.”
She peered into his face, trying to discern the truth. “Are you sure?”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sure. Don’t mind me, I’m just being a moody jackass today.”
“I’ll keep it short. George won’t be up for a long party anyway. Just an hour or two to send him off in style.”
“He’ll love it.” He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Now you better get back out there before Elyse starts to wonder what we’re up to.” He let go of her and took a step back.
She studied his inscrutable features. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
His dark eyes met hers. “Everything’s fine. Go plan your party.”
Penny walked out of the kitchen and sat back down at her laptop, trying to ignore both the trickle of unease in the pit of her stomach and Elyse’s curious look.
“What is wrong with you?” Esther asked, elbowing Penny in the arm.
“Ow,” Penny said, looking up from the half-knit hat in her hands. “What?”
“You’re all spaced-out tonight.”
“No, I’m not.”
Jinny set down her needles and reached for one of the butterscotch toffee cookies Penny had brought. “She’s right. You’ve barely said a word. It’s not like you.”
