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“Imani had to get background checked when she taught a dance for the elementary school’s PE class,” Zander said. “You could do that, then if she needed someone to stand in as a tutor, you’ll be ready. Nobody can object to helping kids with homework, right? You’ll be a hero. After you sincerely apologize for being an ass-hat, of course.”
Ryker gave in. “If it’ll shut you two up, I’ll check into the school’s paperwork. But I doubt it’s that easy.”
***
Turned out, he was wrong. It was that easy.
He’d gone to the Wellsville School District and filled out the papers to be a volunteer and got background checked for all grade levels. If Zander was right and Bryce needed help for pickup or drop-off, he could fill in. All he needed to finish both forms was her signature…and the opportunity to apologize.
That part wasn’t as easy.
Between garage clients, he started out by texting an apology, being as forthright as possible. He even used Zander’s words.
Ryker: I was an ass-hat and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you straight up that I was Elise’s godfather. I’d like to apologize in person for causing you unnecessary conflict.
Bryce: Apology accepted. No in person necessary. Life is complicated enough over here. It’s best to leave well enough alone.
He winced at the short, choppy sentences, so different from their previous text exchanges. What had his brothers said? Give her what she needed.
Even if what she needed wasn’t what he wanted.
He waited a couple hours, mulling over his answer as he changed a customer’s oil, and then, as he closed up his shop, he texted back.
Ryker: Copy that. I have a delivery to drop off to you. Is it okay to leave it behind PattyCakes in the loading area?
Bryce: ??What is it??
Ryker: It’s for the girls.
Bryce: Check to see if Patty’s cool with it, but it’s okay as far as I’m concerned.
Before overthinking it, he loaded everything into the bed of his truck. He called his mom as he drove, surprised that she answered on the first ring. Ryker knew from texting with his brothers that Mom had been taking off every Wednesday for a pickleball league she’d joined, so he’d figured she’d be busy with her gal pals.
“Hi, sweetheart. Everything okay?” Her voice was a little breathless, like she’d just gotten done laughing.
“Fine. Mom, do you mind if I commandeer the loading dock in the back of PattyCakes for the rest of the week? It’s—it’s important.”
Fully expecting the third degree—at the very least, a lecture about how he hadn’t even bothered to stop by the café to apologize for her having to hear about all this drama from Adele Payne—Ryker was surprised to hear his mother hum in assent.
“Sure, whatever you need.” His mom giggled, then Ryker heard the unmistakable sound of a man’s low voice. There was a smooshing noise on the other end of the phone, followed by his mom continuing in a breathless voice. “Is that all, honey?”
Ryker’s eyes widened in surprise as he pulled up behind the closed café. This didn’t sound like a pickleball game. Was his mom on…a date?
“That’s it. Thanks, Mom. Have a…have a good night.”
His mom chuckled. “I intend to.”
Ryker hung up, shaking his head, refusing to think about his mom on a potential date. He had to focus. It was an apology mission comprised of three parts: deliver the goods, say his piece, then leave. He’d picked Wednesday night because he knew Bryce and the girls would be home, but now he was nervous. He wasn’t sure how this gesture would be perceived, and like dropping off the feminine hygiene supplies, he’d rather not be present when they saw it. Just in case it was a bad idea.
He backed his truck into the narrow alley behind PattyCakes. He flipped down the tailgate and hauled everything out. There was some last-minute construction that needed to be done, and he was using his teeth to rip off another piece of duct tape when there was an eardrum-piercing scream above him.
“Holy shit.” He jumped, ramming his elbow into the side of his truck, making the nerve endings in his funny bone tingle and ache. He gazed up and saw two little girls peering at him through screened windows in the upstairs apartment.
“Is that what I think it is?” Addison shouted, her yellow wings flapping as they caught the cool spring breeze through the window. “Did you build us a pirate ship?”
He shrugged. “I didn’t build it, you girls did. When I woke up, it looked like this. I’m just bringing it over. Is…is your aunt home?”
In answer, both girls left the window, and he heard screaming and loud thumping and slamming of doors. He continued taping the rest of the boxes together, willing his jangling nerves away, and a few minutes later, the alley door opened and a gaggle of chattering females exited. Addison gave another trademark shriek, followed by a hoarser, lower-octave version from Cecily, and even June gave a laughing gasp of surprise.
