Page 257 of Worth the Trip

Warren kissed my cheek. “Congratulations, Nolani.”

“Thank you, Mr. Brooks.”

He gave me a look. “Warren. We know each other now.”

Mama Brooks touched his arm. “See? She has manners. Leave that girl alone.”

Lennox opened both arms. “And apparently no affection remains for the younger Brooks.”

“You walked in talking.”

“I hadn’t said anything.”

“Your face did.”

He stared at me, then looked at Mama Brooks. “She been around Landon too long.”

Mama Brooks laughed. “Where’s my butter pecan?”

“Already waiting.”

“With real pecans?”

I pressed one hand to my chest. “Would I disrespect you on opening day?”

“Success changes people. I needed reassurance.”

From the community table, Nana called across the room.

“If she skimped on your pecans, tell me. I’ll handle her.”

Everybody turned.

Mama Brooks looked toward Nana.

Nana lifted her spoon in greeting.

I closed my eyes. “Nana, please don’t threaten me in front of my boyfriend’s mother.”

Mama Brooks laughed. “Oh, I like her.”

Nana pointed toward an empty chair. “Get your ice cream and come sit down.”

Warren looked at me. “We’ve been summoned.”

“It appears so.”

Lennox started toward the table.

“Cookies and cream first,” I called.

He stopped. “You remembered?”

“Unfortunately.”

“See? Family.”

“You are not my family yet.”