The sound of a car motoring up the rock driveway toward his parents’ house drew his attention. He turned to see who it was—and spotted Claire’s dark blue Audi.
“Can’t she take a hint?” he grumbled.
He waited on the porch steps as she climbed out of the car.Her eyes were shielded by a pair of large, expensive-looking sunglasses, and she balanced a giant tote bag on her shoulder.
“What are you doing here, Claire?”
“Good morning to you too,” she simpered. “I told you I was going to help out, and I meant it.”
He ran his tongue over his teeth while she strutted toward the steps. “We don’t need your help.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” She pushed her sunglasses up on the top of her blonde hair. “Besides, they’re like my second set of parents.” She stood at the bottom step. “Are you going to move, or do I need to push you out of the way?”
He held up his hand. “Wait.” He studied her for a second. “Why aren’t you in Nashville?”
“Well, you would’ve known that if you had answered any of my calls,” she snapped. “I’m home for a while.”
“How long?”
“A couple weeks.”
Great.He pushed off the railing and made a sweeping gesture toward the door. “After you.”
“Why, thank you,” she snipped before walking into the house as if she lived there.
The rich scent of coffee, mingled with eggs, bacon, and toast, wafted over Jake while he stood in the doorway. Emily set a plate of food in front of Mom. The young woman’s pretty face pinched into a frown when her golden eyes focused on Jake’s ex.
“Good morning,” Claire sang as she waltzed into the kitchen and set her giant tote bag on the counter. “I brought bagels.” She began unloading a variety of bagels and condiments.
Emily turned toward Jake. “I made eggs and bacon if you’d like some.”
“Thanks. I’d love some,” he told her, hoping her expressionwould brighten. But Emily turned her frown toward Claire, who carried a platter of bagels and cream cheese spreads to the table.
“I wasn’t sure what kind of cream cheese you’d like, so I bought one of each.” Claire pointed to one of the bagels. “Would you like one, Leon?”
Dad nodded, and Claire began cutting the bagel for him.
“How are you feeling this morning?” she asked.
“Sore,” he grunted.
“Well, you make sure you take your pain meds,” Claire told him with a bright smile.
Emily prepared a plate for Jake and held it out to him. “Here you go.”
Jake took the plate and then touched her hand while trying to transmit an unspoken “Are you okay?” with his eyes, but she spun back toward the counter. He set down his plate across from Dad and Claire and sat beside Mom, who was at the head of the table. Then he poured a cup of coffee for himself and one for Emily from the carafe on the table.
“Would you like some eggs, Claire?” Emily asked while filling another plate with eggs and bacon from the two large skillets on the stove.
“Oh no, thanks. I’m going to have one of these awesome bagels. You can have one if you’d like.” Claire looked at Dad. “Did you sleep okay?”
Dad shook his head. “Couldn’t get comfortable.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll make you a bag of ice after breakfast.”
Mom beamed. “I was going to do the same thing.”
“Great minds think alike.” If Claire’s smile were any brighter, she could’ve lit up the entire orchard.
