“That’s a lot on you,” I say, “to be the caretaker like that.” I search for another baking sheet so I can cut out more scones to bake.
“I didn’t mind,” he says. “I mean, she’s my mom and I would do anything for her. But part of me resents my father for leaving because of that. I wanted to move away from Driftbay and experience the world, but once he left, I felt like I didn’t have a choice. I had this gut feeling that I needed to stay here for her, and it turned out I was right.”
“You have to follow your heart,” I tell him as I walk back to the counter. “Your heart wants what it wants,” I add, thinking of Judith. “Besides, maybe there’s some other reason you were meant to stay in Driftbay.”
“I guess you’re right.” Graham frowns as he rolls another packet of silverware. “I guess you could say the same thing about my dad. He followed what his heart wanted in the end.”
I bite the inside of my cheek as I consider his words, having played devil’s advocate. I shrug as he sighs.
“They were just…supposed to grow old together, you know? In sickness and in health and whatnot.”
The words hang in the air as I begin cutting out my second tray of scones.
“So, what about you?” he asks. “I’ve bared my soul to you. What’s your tragic backstory?”
I laugh, wiping my flour-covered hands on my apron. I take a breath before I begin. “Well, I lived in Seattle before I moved here, as you know.”
He nods.
“Born and raised there. My mother was a neurosurgeon. One of the best in the country. She uh,” I pause, taking a deep breath, “...died in a car accident in January.”
“Wow, Thea,” Graham mumbles. “I’m sorry. I was just joking about the tragic backstory.”
I laugh half-heartedly and continue. “I don’t have any siblings. It was just my mom and I growing up. And Aunt Beth, of course, though we didn’t get out here to see her as much as we wanted to.” Memories of those few beach vacations flood my mind, the days of yesteryear filled with sandy shorelines, salty air, and sweet hugs.
“I don’t know who my dad is. Mom really wanted a kid and didn’t have the time, or the patience, to search for Mr. Right. So, instead she used a sperm donor and chose my biological father from a catalog of superior genetic specimens. She was searching for the best of the best.” I smile weakly at Graham, knowing I am anything but the best of the best.
“When I was younger, I’d get so mad at her for making me grow up without a dad.”
He stands and stretches as I grab another bowl and start to whisk together ingredients for my lemon glaze.
“They’re not all they’re cracked up to be,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, my dad was great when I was growing up. His recent actions just really tarnished all the good years for me.”
I nod. “I didn’t really have a lot of friends growing up. I met my best friend at my first job. God, we hated working there. Our boss was crazy.” I laugh to myself as memories replay in my head.
I recount how my former boss would throw hangers across the stockroom when she was angry and Graham chuckles.
“I was your typical high school student. Made solid B’s. I could have made better grades if I’d just applied myself more. Instead, I’m just average.” I shrug, the lemony, citrus scent of the glaze working its way to my nose.
He stops what he’s doing, his fingers frozen on a fork.
“You are anything but average, Thea,” he says.
We stare at each other, our breathing the only sound in the kitchen.
“Never played sports,” I say, clearing my throat. “Not coordinated enough for that. I did a couple of semesters at a community college, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. People expect greatness from me, being Dr. Calloway’s daughter.”
“I imagine that’s hard, living in her shadow.” Graham’s fingers make light work of the utensils now.
“At times, yes. Here in Driftbay, though…no one knows her. Well, except for Beth. It’s…almost a relief.” I set the mixing bowl to the side, content with the consistency of the glaze I’ve concocted.
“I left school after the accident. I just couldn’t continue.”
“I’m sorry. I know how hard it is,” he says softly.
“I was in the car with her that night. Really, it’s my fault we were even out.” Memories of that fateful night flood my memory and I feel my pulse quicken, even though I know I’m safe here with Graham. I can talk about this. “I’d begged her to go out shopping, though the forecast was calling for a bad snowstorm later that night. She died and I walked away unscathed. Sometimes I feel guilty for making it out alive. She saved so many lives. Cars still freak me out.” I blink my eyes rapidly, fighting the tears that are surfacing. “She gave people hope when they had none and gave them their lives back. I just… bake.”
I reach up to brush the tears with one hand.
