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“Yes.” I set a brown paper bag on the counter.

She clapped her hands together. “Please tell me Mom made chicken salad.”

“Yes. She made a big batch for me before they left.”

She squealed, pulling our sandwiches from the bag. “Meet me out back? I’ll hang my closed sign and be right there.”

I slipped out the back door and into the tiny yard. A small patio set served as Violet’s breakroom on nice days. Vi claimed the chair across from me and unwrapped her sandwich, making happy noises. I was glad I’d asked Mom to leave me lunch. Vi was easier to talk to when she was full, and she had a weakness for Mom’s chicken salad.

My sandwich disappeared in four big bites, making me wish I’d thought to pack more food. Vi gave me a knowing look. “You can grab a scone if you’re still hungry.”

“Thanks.”

I slipped inside, returning with a cherry almond scone that smelled amazing. Vi watched me steadily as I devoured it.

“Where does it all go?” she asked.

“I sweat it out in the evaporation houses.”

“Gross.” She wrinkled her nose.

“Hey, I wanted to ask you something,” I blurted before I could second-guess myself. “Do you care if I ask Anya out?”

“Care? Yes. Object? Only if you’re going to be an asshole.”

“Since when am I ever an asshole?” I asked, hurt.

“You don’t mean to be.” She said it almost kindly, but it didn’t do much to soothe my ego. “She hasn’t said much, but I think she’s had her heart broken once already.” Her gaze was toodirect, seeing deeper than I was comfortable with. “You have a tendency to hold women at arm’s length. Anya deserves better than that. If you’re going to date her, be sure you’re willing to show her the real you.”

“It’s all the real me,” I said.

“Spare me the innocent act.”

My sister meant well. I could respect that she was protective of her friend. But I also expected her to have more faith in me. It wasn’t like I ran around town, hitting on everything that moved like Zach. I didn’t have that kind of time. The farm and our family took up most of my energy. And maybe that was her point. I couldn’t start something with Anya and not give her my all.

“Thanks,” I said grudgingly.

“I love you, you big lug. I just happen to love her too. Don’t mess it up.”

On that positive note, I excused myself to drop off the case I’d found at the Sheriff’s Office.

“What case?” Vi asked.

“Just something I found on the beach this morning. It’s probably nothing. I’m going to drop it off on my way home.”

“Tell Sue I said hello.”

“Will do. And, Vi?” Her gaze met mine. “Thanks.”

Her brows arched. “Don’t thank me. I’m doing my best to live up to the motto Gran bestowed on me.”

“Some nonsense in Latin?” I asked.

“No. Mine’s in English: let the dragon breathe.”

“What was wrong with ‘go big or go home’?” I asked.

She shook her head. “Gran claims the rest of us haven’t quote-unquote ‘lived up to our potential’and that we deserve new mottos to give us a kick in the ass.”