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Dad shakes his head. “To his family.”
A silent moment passes between us. “Did you like the guy?” I ask out of curiosity.
He scoffs. “Not my type.” He taps on the bar before pushing off. “I trusted him. I think he didn’t know what he was doing. Until he did…and it was too late.”
I nod because that seems more like the Mr. Woods I remember. “Did he ever mention leaving town?”
“Not to me.” He glares, and I know I’m starting to set off those alarms.
But I push through. Regardless of the risk of him asking questions I can’t answer. “What about her mother?”
Dad clears his throat and leans in. “Let me guess. She’s curious about her parents death and…the timing. And you promised to help?”
“I didn’t promise anything. I’m just curious.”
“Well, you’re about eight and a half years too late on your curiosity. Not gonna find anything now.”
Anything…or anyone?
“Were you suspicious?”
A low grunt. “I’m always suspicious. But I have four—”He swallows. “I have three boys. There’s never a dull moment.”
Dad steps back, assuming our Q&A is over since it’s pointless. And maybe he’s right. But I’m not sure I’m willing to settle for an unsolved mystery when it comes to Pepper.
The main door chimes, and Levi powers in. “God, I hate the school car line.”
“Where’s your nanny?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.
Levi’s chest huffs, like he’s reminding himself to stay calm. “Said she gets anxiety sitting in traffic.”
Dad shakes his head and hands his oldest son an empty mug, then points to the machine. “Help yourself.”
“Help myself?” he protests.
“Don’t need you getting into it with my new waitress.”
Levi’s eyes roll. “Let me guess, she’s late?”
As if on cue, the kitchen door swings open and Tessa powers in behind the bar. “Hey, boss, fruit and bagels all set up for the continental breakfast. Aaaannd…I took the liberty of adding a few Tess-Specials to the lunch menu.” She sets a step stool down in the center behind the bar and steps up.
Dad holds his hands up. “What are you doing?”
“Sprucing up the board.” She points up to the chalk board over the bar that spreads across the back wall.”
“Why?” He practically grits.
She perks a brow. “Because once I get it up there, you can’t take my specials off the menu.” Then flashes us all a sinful grin.
Dad crosses his arms. “You think I can’t get up there?”
She chuckles. “Oh no, Mr. Reeves, I’m sure you’re—”
“Aiden!” he growls.
Tessa rolls her eyes playfully. “Like anyone here would ever question how capable you are.”
It’s true. Between his ESPY award and personalized championship belts spread across the place, anyone who didn’t know Aiden Reeves is a world champion boxer would now.
