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Eric climbed over me to get out of the booth and went to talk to his friend.
“Cain!” Kerry said. “And Mollie. I get to see you two twice in a row!”
If it were possible, Cain looked even more tense. “Kerry. Hi.”
“It’s nice to see you again.”
“I hate that we didn’t get to chat much yesterday. I guess we’re all getting a second chance.”
“We are,” I said with a smile. “And I can ask what your favorite dish is here. I’m not sure what to get.”
“But—” Eric piped up.
“I’m not sure what to get,” I repeated. Cain caught on to my meaning and shook his head at Eric.
“Oh, well let me tell you, the waffles aresogood. I like them with extra whipped cream and maple syrup.”
I was still getting French toast, but she was looking only at me and not the lump of anxiety across the table. “That soundssogood.”
“This place is really a treat. Just like the rest of the town is. You liked the market yesterday, right?”
“Loved it, though I probably bought too much.”
“Not after what happened yesterday,” Cain said. I turned to him, and he looked as surprised as I was that he’d spoken at all.
“Oh? What happened yesterday?” Kerry asked.
“Eric gobbled up an entire loaf of garlic bread,” I said. “I’ve never seen him eat so fast.”
“So, living at the farm is going well?”
“Everything has been good,” I said. “I love owning a house, and Eric is super sweet.”
“I know it must have been a shock.” Kerry looked at Cain. “You were in such a bad mood when she got here.”
“You’ll have to excuse the bad mood,” I said. “I annoy him every day I’m there.”
“Or nearly get yourself killed.”
“That happened one time.”
“You fell off a roof.”
“Saving yourchicken!”
Kerry laughed. “This is so interesting to see. Who knew a woman could get you to talk?”
She patted Cain’s shoulder, and his jaw tightened again.
I would have said she were simply joking if not for the look on his face.
“You know what, while I have you, I might need a favor,” Kerry said to Cain. “Did you hear that the school is looking for volunteers for the Fall Fun Run?”
He blinked. “They are?”
“Yes. You should come. We need all the help we can get.”
I could have sworn Cain turned green, but he nodded.