Page 69 of Miss Fortune

My father glanced at his watch. “We should hit the store now, though. This is an all-day process. Do you have the maple wood?”

Wait, was this really happening? My father went on with the shopping list while my mother talked about using my kitchen to make her Scotcharoos to bring over for dessert. “You have Blue Bunny ice cream here?” she asked.

All eyes turned to me. Finally. I was starting to wonder if I was even part of this conversation. “We do have Blue Bunny.” Another local brand, my parents were loyal to the bunny.

“Terrific. Then for the sides, I’ll make a potato salad and some coleslaw,” my mother offered.

One minute I was being admonished for my consumption of carbs and the next she was planning a backyard barbeque with each side dish swimming in starch and mayo.

“How about we all head to the store for ingredients, and then I’ll go with Caleb to his house to get the ribs started. You and your mother can get the sides and dessert prepared at your place, Daisy. Give me a chance to get to know this young man better.”

This young man didn’t so much as flinch at the plan for my father to hang out with him. Did I mention it was a Sunday? What in the hell? “Um, I guess it sounds good,” I muttered.

Not as if my opinion mattered because suddenly my family was in full-out barbeque mode.

* * *

“You need any help with the Scotcharoos?” my mother asked while elbow-deep herself in a macaroni salad. Because potato salad and coleslaw weren’t enough for the four of us.

“Nope, got it covered.” I could make the recipe in my sleep. It had been an hour since we’d left the grocery store, and I’d let go of my initial surprise and agitation. Now I was grateful Caleb had stepped in with something my parents would enjoy, and keep them occupied.

“Your kitchen is so small,” my mother mumbled, trying to find a large enough Tupperware dish in which to put the salads.

Lord help me. “It’s only me, so it’s plenty big most of the time.”

“Do you spend most of your time here or over at Caleb’s house?”

“Here at my apartment. As I mentioned, we’re friends.” You know the type I was trying not to fall in love with?

“Mm. As much as I don’t care for you living so far away from home, I do understand if you wanted to stay for a man like Caleb. Your father sure likes him.”

“We’re not in a relationship.”

“I thought you wanted to get married, start a family?”

I tried not to let her censure bother me. After all, my goals had not in fact changed. “I do, but Caleb doesn’t.”

Her eyes met mine, realization of the situation finally dawning on her. “I see.”

Good. Now maybe she wouldn’t push things or make assumptions.

“What have you been up to?”

Finally, she posed a question without judgment in her voice. Maybe this was a breakthrough.

My mother and I arrived at Caleb’s house a couple hours later, coming straight to the backyard through the side gate he’d left open for us. We found my dad and my non-boyfriend sitting on the patio furniture there, drinking beer and discussing dry rubs.

I’d wondered if Caleb would start to resent having his day taken up with entertaining my family, but he appeared relaxed and happy to see us arrive. Both men immediately stood up to take the dishes out of our hands.

“There’s more in the car. You want to come help, Caleb?”

“Sure. Happy to.” He followed me out to the street, seemingly still at ease.

“What’s going on?” I was glad to finally get him alone.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you and my dad hanging out all day.”