“Hey, y’all need some help?” Maddie asked.
“It’s okay, I think we got it,” Kelsey said.
“Do you want me to call her an Uber?”
“I can take her,” Davis offered.
But Davis had already done enough. Despite Kelsey hating feeling needy, he was always helping her. He didn’t deserve this. He was supposed to be a celebrity in their town. But some glamorous life he lived—best friends with a widower and taking care of her alcoholic mama.
“No, it’s okay. She can sleep it off in the office.”
“You sure?”
If her mama slept here, it usually meant Kelsey was stuck sleeping there too. That would mean she wouldn’t be getting to her in-laws to pick up the kids and take them home that night.
“It’s fine.”
But as they each took a side of her mama, Howard Hoffman appeared, like a knight in shining armor, offering his arm, and giving relief to Kelsey.
“Here, let me help,” Howard said.
“Thank you.” She released her mama’s arm, handing her off to Mr. Hoffman.
This was the second time he’d rescued her. It was humiliating. But she was grateful.
“If you’re still working, I’d be happy to take her home,” Howard offered.
“Don’t be silly, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“It’s not a problem. And you’re not asking, I’m offering.”
She bit her lip, considering.
“Howard,” her mama slurred. “My hero.”
“Not too shabby being called a hero. I’ve been called much worse.” He chuckled.
Having her mama away from the bar was a much better idea than the both of them sleeping there that night. Then she’d still be able to pick up her kids and let them sleep in their own beds.
“Are you sure it’s not a problem?”
“Positive.”
“Okay,” she relinquished. “Thank you. Goodnight, Mama. I’ll check in with you tomorrow.”
“Night, love bug,” she sang as Mr. Hoffman escorted her to the door.
Davis stood next to her, both watching her mama go.
“Sorry.”
“What are you sorry for?”
“Because you have a lot going on. You can’t seem to catch a break.”
She shrugged. “Everyone has a lot going on. And my break comes tomorrow. When Julian is running the bar and we go to the pumpkin patch. That’s my break.” She smiled. She was relieved it came naturally. It gave her hope their friendship hadn’t been rocked entirely off its foundation. Besides that now, she had the urge to rip his clothes off when a few weeks ago she wouldn’t have thought twice about his rippled abs.
“All right, I’m gonna head out. You sure you’re gonna be okay?”
