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Tess squinted at me. “This new Lucas is freaking me out.” She grabbed a tray of miniature quiches and went out into the big room where a few tables were set up.
It was good to see her this weekend, and she seemed a little brighter than earlier this spring. She graduated despite some shit from one of her professors, and she was working her dream job, but there was a hint of sadness there. For the first time in a long time, she wasn’t spending her summer with Mrs. Curtis and Mr. Rose working at the resort on Anna Island.
“Those quiches smell so good, Jo. I need to get the recipe.” Tess strolled back into the kitchen.
“I’m not so sure. With your baking skills, you might make them better than I do, and then I’d lose this job,” Jo said.
“You’re hilarious. No one comes close to you. Your job is safe.”
“What time are you leaving today?” Mom asked Tess.
“I have Mondays off, so I’m not planning to head back to Prosser until the morning. A few of us who used to work together at The Patio in high school are meeting up for a drink.”
“Maybe you could visit Mrs. Curtis at the resort,” I said. “When Jo and I stayed there a while ago, she asked about you.”
“Good morning.” Finn and Emily calmly sauntered into the room, except the hand he was holding was decidedly shinier.
“Good morning.” Mom leaned in for the required cheek-kiss-hug.
Emily cleared her throat and raised her sparkling hand to brush aside a piece of non-existent hair.
“Oh, my goodness! Finn. Oh, my goodness.” Mom gasped. “Where’s your father? Finn! Emily! This is wonderful!”
Mom actually scurried out of the kitchen, calling for Dad.
“You’re engaged!” Tess grabbed Emily for a closer look at the ring.
“We are. Isn’t it beautiful? Finn did a wonderful job.”
Jo stepped cautiously behind Tess. “It’s lovely. Congratulations.”
I caught the look on Jo’s face as she stepped back. I hadn’t seen it often until recently. It looked a lot like hope.
“Good job, bro. Took you long enough.” I stepped up to give Finn the back-slap man-hug. He was a good guy, and she was perfect for him. They seemed to have the same bond that our parents had, one that would survive anything. He and Emily had faced some challenges and probably had a few more coming, but I knew in my soul they’d love through it. Like I knew Jo and I would.
“Don’t start, man. Wait and see. It’s not as easy as you think.”
I glanced at Jo. I’d already learned that. I realized the intensity of these big moments back at the foot of those porch steps the first time I told Jo how I felt. But I wasn’t waiting like Finn did. I was smarter than that.
