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“I hope you’re right.” I gestured toward the kitchen. “Drinks are in there. Grab one and I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Sounds wonderful. Your house is beyond posh. Thank you so much for inviting me.” She tossed shiny dark blond locks behind her shoulders. She wore a sweater with a turkey on the front and earrings in the shape of wineglasses. A particular bounce in her step and her smile endeared her to me. Such a happy, positive person. No wonder Thad thought she was such a good fit with the guests.
Next, I took Elliot aside. “So, our friend Annie’s here, and she’d really appreciate it if you didn’t make a big deal about her or take any photos or post on social. You know?”
“Dude, totally.” Elliot wore a dress that reached her ankles, paired with a jean jacket and red cowgirl boots. She had adistinctive Bohemian vibe about her. I bet she never stayed in one place for long. Like a flower tumbling down a windy street.
“Thanks a lot,” I said. “Did you see the photos of us from last night?”
“There are photos?”
“They followed us into town,” I said. “Caught us kissing.”
“That’s awful.” Elliot shuddered. “I can’t stand anyone knowing my business, so I totally understand. Anyway, I don’t do social after I had an incident with this weird stalker customer in my last job. Every time I posted something, there he was a few minutes later. Then he started following me everywhere. It was scary.”
“Did they catch him?” I asked, concerned.
“Yeah, they did. Put him in jail for a bit, but I’m sure he’s out by now. The whole experience really shook me up. I closed all my social accounts and moved out here.”
“Where were you before now?”
“Up in Seattle, working at one of the Ralph Ibis restaurants.”
“Really? He’s kind of famous, right?”
“He’s a local legend. It was an honor to work for him,” Elliot said. “But let me tell you something, he has nothing on your brother. Caspian’s just as good if not better. Plus, he’s so calm and kind—not totally expected when it comes to chefs, I’m sorry to say. I’ve worked under some real jerks. They’re either trying to work their way into your skirt or cursing obscenities about your incompetence.”
“Doesn’t sound like much of a life,” I said, unsure what would be an appropriate response.
“It was fine until stalker guy.” She pulled her jacket tighter around her waist. “Anyway, I’m thankful to be here and so happy to be invited for dinner. I haven’t had a Thanksgiving off in a long time.”
“I’m glad you’re here. And thank you for keeping your phone tucked away for tonight.”
Caspian joined us, carrying two glasses of red wine. “You brought up the good stuff,” he said, indicating the wine. “Elliot, wait until you try this. You’re going to love it.”
She took the glass from him and sniffed it three times, reminding me of Scout on a spring walk. “What a nose.”
I left them to enjoy the wine, anxious to check on Annie. The last thing I wanted was for her to worry all night.
She and my mom were sitting at the kitchen table peeling massive amounts of potatoes.
“Hello, baby,” Mama said. “Annie and I are just catching up on the last twenty-odd years.”
I kissed Mama’s cheek. “I haven’t even said hello or happy Turkey Day, Mama.”
She beamed up at me. “It’s so nice to have you home, and having dinner with all my boys plus my long-lost daughter is a dream come true.” She patted Annie’s hand. “After all this time, here she is. Just the same as I remember, only a little taller.”
“I’ve changed a little since I was eleven,” Annie said, laughing. “I hope I have, anyway. Do you remember my funny little teeth?” She bent her index fingers on the side of her mouth to indicate fangs.
“That’s what braces are for,” Mama said. “Although paying for five sets about sent us to the poorhouse.”
Scout barked at a motion at the door and got up from where she’d been sleeping by Annie’s feet and ran to greet whomever it was. I turned to see for myself, figuring it was Thad. He was always worried about ruining my floors and insisted on coming in through the mudroom and depositing his boots before joining us in the kitchen.
I was right. It was my brother. However, there was someone with him.Twosomeones. A gorgeous blonde and an equally pretty little girl, whom I guessed to be around three.
Unexpected guests. Not good.
Scout barked hello, and the little girl screamed. Her motherpicked her up and settled her on one hip. “Sorry, Chloe’s afraid of dogs,” the woman said.
