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“Wow, that’s a lot. I’ll have to check my calendar.” He grabbed his stuff, pecked me on the lips, and headed out the door to the shower.
Crisis averted? God, I hoped so.
After Jake’s shower, we went downstairs for breakfast. My mom had told me there’d be biscuits and gravy and eggs ready for when we came down. Nobody made biscuits like my mom, flakey and buttery. I couldn’t wait to gobble them up.
“Good morning, Mom. Happy anniversary.” I hugged her. “Where’s Dad? It smells amazing, by the way.”
“He’s outside.” She turned back toward the stove. “Good morning, Jake. I hope you slept well.”
“I did. Thanks.”
“When will Holden and Mindy arrive?” I poured two mugs of coffee, passed one to Jake, and we took a seat at the cozy breakfast nook.
“Before noon, I imagine.” Mom smiled and plated our food. “After they get cleaned up from doing their chores. You know how it goes for farmers.”
“Yep, I do. Is there anything I can help you with for the party?” I had a sneaky suspicion my dad had plans with his buddies. Where some men golfed, my dad fished and hunted.
“I think it’s all covered, but I’ll let you know as we get closer.”
“Sounds good. Where’s Liv?”
“She’s not up yet. Did she drink a lot last night?” Mom peered over her shoulder, a glimmer of concern in her eyes.
“She only had a few,” I replied honestly. I flicked my gaze at Jake, busy eating his biscuits and gravy, and avoiding the conversation.
“You can be straight with me, dear. I know she parties.”
“What do you mean, Liv parties?” I set my mug down. Again, I looked at Jake. His lack of interest annoyed me.
“Shelby Grace, don’t play dumb with me. I know she tells you everything.”
“I swear, I don’t know what she’s been up to.” I elbowed Jake. “Liv only had three drinks, right?”
“I wasn’t counting. We ordered a few times.” Jake shrugged. He was no help at all.
Mom sighed and twisted her lips. “I’d feel better if she confided in you. Something is going on with her. I just know she’s struggling. Maybe it’s your dad’s diagnosis.” A sadness in her eyes pierced my heart.
“I’ll check on her.” I stood from my chair.
“I appreciate it.”
“Of course, Mom.” I placed my hand on Jake’s shoulder. “If you want, you can go into the den when you’re finished.” Why was I coddling him? He was a grown man and could figure this stuff out for himself.
“I’ll be fine.”
I nodded, then went upstairs and knocked on Olivia’s door. Nothing but silence came from inside, so I went in, and my sassy baby sister was sound asleep.
“Liv… Time to get up. Rise and shine, Livvy.” I rubbed her back.
Quiet groans of irritation rolled out of her.
“It’s almost ten. Holden will be here by soon. Come on, it’s party day!”
“Just one more hour,” she grumbled. “Actually, I’ll get up when I get up.”
“If you’re not ready by noon, Mom will be up here.” I shook my head as I left.What in the world has gotten into her?
Uneasiness pulsed through my veins. I needed to make time to talk with my little sister before I flew home.
