He looked up, and the vulnerability in his expression nearly undid her.“Mrs.Wren.I’m glad you could make it.”
“Call me Diane.And thank you for the invitation.”Her mother’s eyes sparkled with mischief.“Cassidy tells me you make the best grouper sandwich on the Gulf Coast.”
“She said that?”Bryan’s gaze found Cassidy’s.
“She did.Among other things.”
She felt her face heat.“Mom.”
“What?I’m just making conversation.”Her mom accepted a sample plate from Mona, who’d appeared with impeccable timing.“Oh, this is delicious.”
The two mothers immediately began discussing recipes, leaving Cassidy and Bryan standing awkwardly beside the booth.
“You called my mom,” she said.
“I thought you’d want her here.For the festival.”He rubbed the back of his neck.“I probably should have asked first.”
“No.It was perfect.”She stepped closer, lowering her voice.“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”His eyes searched hers.“Are you okay?Your boss looked pretty intense earlier.”
“He wants me in Chicago by Monday.”
His jaw tightened, but he nodded.“Makes sense.Big opportunity.”
“Bryan—”
“Cassidy, honey!”Sally Morris appeared, slightly breathless.“We need you at the judging table.The recipe competition is about to start, and Dorothy and Margaret are arguing about the scoring criteria.”
“I’ll be right there.”She looked at Bryan helplessly.“I should?—”
He nodded.“Go.We’ll talk later.”
Sally was waiting, the festival needed her, and maybe some conversations were better saved for when they could happen properly.
“Later,” she agreed.
She followed Sally toward the judging area but glanced back once.Bryan was watching her go, and even from a distance, she could see the question written across his face.
