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He burst out laughing. “That’s what my mom says. All the time.” He kissed his daughter on the forehead. “Two minutes.” When Kinny went back to watching the figure skating class, he sat on the bench and untied his skates. “Is this okay? I know you have to work.”
“Actually, I don’t.” She sat beside him. Watching him carefully, she said, “Santos came back.”
“What’re you talking about? Thetruck owner?”
“Yep.”
“What does he want?” He’d seen her success. Of course, he had. “You don’t have to give the truck back, do you? Because that’s bullshit.”
She smiled, unconcerned. “Yes, he wants it back.”
What was he missing here? “He can’t have it. You’ve committed to a summer here. He can’t take away your business.”
“He absolutely can. I was only borrowing it. But also, he needs the income. You can’t fault him for that.”
“I sure as hell can. You’ve got to make a living, too. You counted on this income. It’s the only reason you’re here.”
“Well, he did offer to pay me to stay on.”
“Helphim? You’re the hit of the festival. You’re all over social media. You put his truck on the map.”
“He knows. Look, it’s—”
Kinny swung around. “Can we go now? What if the store sells out of all the dresses?”
“Hm, someone’s catastrophizing.” She gently nudged him. “I guess you’re right. Sheisjust like you.”
Oh, shit. That was a terrible thing to impose on her. He’d have to watch himself.
Kinny tugged on his jersey. “Daddy, you promised.”
“Have I ever broken a promise to you?”
With tremendous gravity, she contemplated the question. “No.”
“And I won’t now. But let me finish talking to Gracie about this. It’s important.” He reached for her hand. “So, where do things stand? How much did he offer to pay you? Because if it’s any less than you’ve been making—”
“It is. It’s twenty an hour.”
“Is he out of his mind? You’re the Singing Baker. That’s the draw. That, and your pastries.”
“I know.” She didn’t seem even slightly worried. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying this.
“I told him it wasn’t worth it. I can make more working at Renzo’s.”
His stomach dropped so fast he grabbed the bench. “You’re leaving?”No. He wouldn’t let that happen. “You’re happy here. You’re the most popular vendor at the festival. You can’t leave.” Resolve had him on his feet. “I’ll get you a food truck.”
“That’s a great idea.” She stood up, too. “And Brodie had the same one.”
“What’re you saying?”
“Brodie’s finding me one. He doesn’t want me to leave.” She laughed.
“Well, good.” He looked down at his socked feet. “That’s good.”
“Yep. But it won’t be ready until tomorrow, so I’m free this afternoon.”
“Cool. Cool. Well, then, let me change, and we’ll go.” Only after he started off for the locker room did her smile make sense. He called back to her, “You had fun with that.”
