“Can’t put something on you were born with.” He winks, and I let out a laugh that not even worrying about Brandon and Malcolm in cahoots can stop. “Let me get you more to eat.”
Hayes reaches for my plate. My eyes dart to Cal, who’s glaring, and I don’t know if it’s about Hayes flirting with me or my snapping at Junie. Either way, I think I need to do some repair.
“Can’t fit another bite in, but thanks.” Still holding my plate, I pop up. “I’ll help clean. You done?”
Before he can answer, I take Hayes’s empty paper plate, and walk around the circle of Holloways, collecting more plates, soda cans, and other rubbish.
“Don’t you dare try to clean up,” Jo says before I reach her. “You’ve already done enough helping harvest today.”
Cassidy is by my side before Jo finishes, taking the plates from me and being a bit grumpy about it. “I’ll do it.”
Before I can argue, she adds, “You saved me from working out here today. I owe you.” Her mouth does something that could be a smile but goes back to her normal glower too fast to be certain.
When I reach Cal, he holds up his half-eaten roll. “Let me finish my lunch, and I’ll take you into town.”
“I want to go with Frankie,” Junie says, and I assume I’ve been forgiven.
“Sorry, Bug. I’ve got appointments. You get to stay here with Jo-Joe.”
“No, I want to go.” Junie stamps her foot. “I stay with Frankie at Fingo’s and you go to pointments.”
Cal opens his mouth when Bennett swoops in and picks up Junie like she’s an airplane and sails her through the air. “How about I take you on the ATV?”
Cal tenses. “No, Bennett.”
“She’ll wear a helmet, and we’ll go slow.” Bennett sets Junie back on the ground, and she grabs his fist with both of her hands.
Cal shakes his head.
“Yes, Daddy, please,” Junie begs as Bennett raises his arm, lifting her off the ground.
“It’s how we do work around here, Cal. She’s going to have to learn to ride sometime.” Ben’s voice isn’t dismissive, but gentle. Pragmatic.
“I’ll keep an eye on them, son.” Jo rests a hand on Cal’s shoulder. “If she learns young, she’ll grow up understanding how to ride safe, just like you and your brothers. Rules work better than restrictions.”
Cal lets out a deep sigh. I see him fighting with himself, but he doesn’t argue with them anymore. He also doesn’t finish his lunch.
Bennett leads Junie to the ATV’s, listing the rules and responsibilities that go with riding on a four-wheeler then making her repeat them.
“Ready to head in?” Cal asks me, and I tear my eyes away from Bennett, Junie, and the rest of the Holloways.
I nod and follow him toward the house. “What’s the difference between a rule and a restriction?” I ask.
His eyebrows go up and his eyes dart back and forth like he’s looking for an answer. “I never really asked. That’s something Mom and Dad always said, and it just kinda made sense. I never questioned it, but since you asked, I guess a restriction is a hard no. A rule has a reason behind it.”
“So, is it your family motto, then? The rules and restrictions bit?” I feel like I’ve been let in on the secret to what makes the Holloways the rare happy family.
“I guess so.” Cal chuckles and the pinching in my chest eases.
“My family’s motto is manipulation is king. Or maybe it’s money is king; love and kindness are lowly peasants. Not even peasants, really. What’s below a peasant?” I laugh at my joke, but Cal doesn’t. He just looks at me.
“Your parents really did a number on you, didn’t they Frankie?”
I snort. “Dad for sure. Mum’s mistakes I unpacked in a few therapy sessions, but I ran out of money before I could sort through all the baggage from Malcolm.”
Again, I’m the only one laughing.
“I’m sorry.” Cal’s sincerity brings back the tightness in my throat Jo caused a bit ago.
