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“I could smell smoke,” Karin said. “Was it bad?”
“It got pretty close to those houses at the edge of the canyon. Come in,” he finally said, moving aside so they could pass when he noticed their arms were loaded with food. “Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
He took the fastest shower he’d ever taken, brushed his teeth and hair, and got dressed, including a shirt this time. It looked like they came to eat dinner. He was in breakfast mode but wouldn’t be rude.
Back out in the great room, they were busy setting the food out.
“Are you hungry?” Faith asked. “Karin brought lasagna, and I have fried chicken.”
“I can eat a little,” he said, thinking of the food-filled fridge, thanks to his Aunt Roberta. “I really need coffee first.”
“Oh, right. Do you want me to fix you eggs?” Faith asked, Karin shooting her a dirty look.
Standing next to him at the counter, Faith opened a cupboard door and pulled out a frying pan before he answered.
“Eggs sound great. I’ll be switched around for a day or two,” he said, filling the coffee maker with water. “I’m glad we get two days off because I’d never recover in one day after being up all night.”
“Karin, do you want eggs?” Faith asked as she searched the fridge.
“No, Faith, I don’t want eggs,” she snapped. “I will eat your fried chicken, however.”
“Help yourself. I made enough for an army.”
While they verbally jostled, what was happening slowly made its way into Paul’s unsophisticated mind, and he tried to hide the smile. Wishing Danny was there, he thought of something that might take the sting out of the onslaught of women.
Getting out his phone, he sent a text.
Vet and college student here with dinner. Do you want food?
In less than a minute, the answer.
Be there as soon as I can.
“Oh, one of the guys I work with is on his way over. He lives in Bonsal, so probably about forty minutes.”
“Great!” Faith said. “Who is it?”
“Danny Ferguson. You might know him. He started when I did.”
“We’ve probably seen him around,” Karin said. “My dad said you were out with another guy at the house in the morning. Was that Danny?”
“Yeah, that was Danny. We were at the clinic, too.”
“Sophia told me,” Faith said, bristling.
He wondered if that meant Sophia also mentioned that she’d invited him to have coffee sometime. He bit his lower lip so he didn’t laugh; these women were a riot. He wished Danny would hurry up and get there.
“Oh, you don’t have any eggs,” Faith said, standing in front of the refrigerator.
“Yeah, I just eat at the station, and my aunt gives me food on Sundays. I guess it’s time to grow up and go to the grocery store. Coffee, everyone?”
They all wanted it, so he got three mugs out and poured.
“I don’t think I have anything to add to it,” he said.
“I’ll drink it black,” Karin said, tickled that Faith had made an ass out of herself.
“Did you think Faith traveled with eggs?” Karin asked, laughing.
