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“I can see he needs so much hand holding,” Drew deadpanned.
“Come on, guys, stop teasing Sam.” Rarity sipped her drink. “I hope Darby has fun this year. If I was going to study abroad, it wouldn’t be in Scotland. Isn’tit cold there?”
“Darby’s going to be fine. Man, both of you need to rein in your mother hen genes. Let the kids fly.” Archer glanced around. “And we all need a second drink. Drew, come help. And bring your wallet. I didn’t realize this was a cash bar.”
“Then I guess you and your date are drinking water, right?” Drew punched Archer playfully in the shoulder. “Besides, I can see the outline of yourwallet, dude.”
“That doesn’t mean I actually have any money in there,” Archer teased as the men walked toward the bar to get beers for the foursome.
Sam was still watching the now empty doorway where Marcus and Janey had disappeared.
Rarity stepped closer and snapped her fingers. “Earth to Sam. Why are you so worried aboutyour brother?”
Sam bit her lip, then shook her head. “It’s nothing. Water under the bridge, I guess. So Janey worked today? Whatdid you think?”
“She’s smart, catches on quickly, and has killer ideas. I’m happy. Caleb’s working on Friday afternoon, then they both are coming in Saturday to run a mock book club. We should have the first elementary club up and ready to happen the next weekend.” Rarity set the empty champagne glass on the tray and picked up a shrimp skewer. “I really lucked out on hiringboth of them.”
“You need to knock on wood somewhere.” Sam grinned as she glanced around the room. “Was Caleb comingto the party?”
Rarity scanned the room. “I thought he was, but maybe he got held up on campus. I don’t see himin the crowd.”
The men returned to the group and handed off the drinks. Archer leaned next to Rarity. “Drew has a great idea. After this beer, we should go to the pub and grab dinner before all these kids decide it’s a clever idea too. We can get the earlybird special.”
“That sounds good to me. I’m starving.” Rarity glanced over at where Janey disappeared. “Janey’s parked at my house, but I’m sure she could find her way if I left. Let me text her the address and tell her I’m leaving in a few minutes. I don’t want her to think I ghosted her here.”
“Not sure if that’s the correct usage of the word, but we’ll give you an A for effort.” Sam looked up at Drew. “I know you and Marcus aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye, but I appreciate you being nice to him.”
“I just don’t like the way he talks down to you at times. I get that family’s different, but there’s also a respect level that I expect. Especially to your sister. Joanna would punch me if I talked to her that way. Even after all these years.” Drew pulled her closer. “I’ll give him some leeway for a while, but if he does stay around, we’re going to have a talk about his manners.”
Sam reached up and stroked the side of Drew’s face. “My knight inshining armor.”
Archer held up his hand. “And his trusty sidekick, Sir Hikes-a-lot.”
“What about Sir Mountain Tamer?” Rarity added as the foursome moved toward the door, where Darby was saying goodbye to some of the guests. “Sounds better and less like a Monty Python character.”
“I don’t care what you call me as long as it’s not late for dinner.” Archer squeezed Rarity’s side. “Are we ready to blow this popsicle stand?”
“We have to say goodbye to Darby; then we can go eat.” Rarity set her empty glass on a side table. She’d call tomorrow and see if Darby needed some help cleaning this place before leaving. And with that thought, she waited in line to say goodbye, hoping she wouldn’t cry.
* * * *
Saturday came early, and Caleb and Janey were there as soon as Rarity arrived. Caleb had stopped for donuts and coffee at Annie’s. “Breakfast of the gods. At least the college gods, especially after a Friday night frat party. Sorry I missed your friend’s going-away party. I know some kids who went that said it was epic.”
Rarity laughed as she opened the door and let Killer inside as well as her new employees. “I think we left before it turned epic. Old people need their dinner and their sleep.”
“You’re not old, and neither are any of your friends.” Janey headed to the back to drop off her jacket and tote. “Thanks for the introduction, by the way. Marcus is interesting.”
“You two seemed to be hitting it off. Are you going to go out?” Rarity followed her into the back room and filled Killer’s water dish.
“We went to dinner last night, and he’s coming to get me tonight after work. Then tomorrow, we’re going to hike into this amazing quarry lake.” Janey was rattling off the details so fast, she didn’t see Caleb’s eyes flash.
Rarity did.I thought there was something there. At least one-sided.Rarity decided changing the subject would be a good thing. She didn’t want Caleb to be hurt any more than he already seemed to be. “Let’s jump into designing the book clubs. I’d like to do this as a group exercise, so if one of us is gone, someone else could fill in that day. That’s why I had you attend Tuesdaynight’s club.”
“Those women are amazing.” Caleb had turned off whatever sadness he’d been feeling over Janey’s new dating plans. Maybe it was for the best. “I’ll run that group anytime you need me to.”
“Unless she asks me first.” Janey grinned. “I’m here. I’m not invisible, no matter what some professorsseem to think.”
“I had professors and work peers that did the same thing.” Rarity shrugged. “I guess it’sa male thing.”
