Page 72 of Once Upon a Fall

“I can cook,” I say, feeling defensive.

“Yes, you’re very good at using a microwave.”

Dean covers a laugh with his hand.

“Fine. Dean made it,” I say.

He looks at Dean and then back at me, his brows knit together. He’s calculating something, and it’s probably what information he got from Edna B. plus what he’s seeing here.

I see where his math will lead him.

“He asked to use the kitchen,” I blurt. “To make himself food instead of going to the grill or the café every day. And sometimes he shares.”

Every time, actually. I don’t say that part, though. Dean has been cooking me dinner and saving leftovers for me to eat since he got here.

From the outside, it looks very much like we’ve been playing house. Which is not what’s happening.

“But Edna said he’s been helping you out in the guest rooms.”

“Right,” I say, trying to figure out the best way to explain this. “Dean has been renting a room, but he’s had some time on his hands. So, he’s been helping out.”

“My grandparents’ house has a raccoon infestation,” Dean says. “I’ve been trying to find a company to get rid of them. I can’t do much until they’re gone.”

My dad looks at me. “Why don’t you get one of the Walker brothers over there?”

“That’s what I said,” I say, looking at Dean. “Dean wants someone who’s insured.”

“I guess that makes sense,” says my dad. He turns to me. “How much is left to do here, then?”

“Not much,” I tell him.

“Rosie,” he says.

I let out a breath. “Snow White is almost finished. It just needs baseboards, paint, and the tile on the tub.”

“And the other rooms?”

“Only Beauty and the Beast is left. And then I’m done.”

I make it sound easy, like no big deal. Only I had a breakdown about it just yesterday, and if it wasn’t for Juliet taking some of the festival duties off my plate today, I’d probably be rocking in a corner right now.

I don’t know why I want to protect my dad so much. I just do.

“I’ll come help next week,” my dad says. “Put me to work. I can paint.”

Here’s the real problem. If I let my dad see the rooms, he’ll do the math on that too. He knows the loan I took out to buy the inn didn’t allow for any upgrades. He’ll wonder how I’m able to do all this.

And the answer will be the loan and the balloon payment and also the hard fact that I may not be able to do this.

“It’s fine,” I tell him. “I’ve got it. Dom is helping too.”

“Well, the offer stands,” he says, giving me a smile that’s tinged with something like hurt. He knows I’m not being honest.

“I’d better get home,” he says, patting his pockets for his keys. “Dean, it was nice to meet you.”

“You too,” says Dean.

“Yes,” I blurt out, and both men look to me. “Yes, Dad. I’d love some help. If . . . if you’ve got the time.”