Page 95 of Making It Up

“Well, I helped Jack Bennett with some birthday party planning for one of his daughters.”

“That’s nice,” Dad says, though he does look a little surprised. “Are you and Jack…”

For a second, I’m confused why he would even ask, but then I realize that maybe that sounds like something a girlfriend would do rather than a librarian’s task.

And fair enough, it probably is.

“Jack came into the library looking for ideas and resources for how to do manicures and a spa day theme,” I explain.

“Oh, you should’ve asked Sloan to help,” Mom says, leaning against the counter now that she’s slid the pasta bake into the oven.

“I did actually. We both went out there.”

“That’s so nice.” Mom smiles. “Jack needs all the friends he can get. I still can’t believe everything he’s been through.”

I nod. “I know. It’s heartbreaking. But they seem to be doing okay. They have Tucker and Delaney, of course, and then…” I hesitate and then kick myself mentally. Don’t hesitate. Don’t draw extra attention to the discussion about Jack’s brothers. “He’s also got his brothers. Charlie and David have been very supportive.”

Very good. I didn’t even trip over David’s name.

“They’re a great family,” my mom agrees.

“Those boys have always been close,” my dad adds. He looks over at my mom. “Speaking of David Bennett.”

My heart flips over so fast, I swear I get a little lightheaded. I then hold my breath, which doesn’t help.

“Oh no, what happened?” my mom asks, her tone indicating that it isn’t entirely uncommon for her to hear about David from my dad.

“He showed up at the site for the new pavilion today,” Dad tells her.

I'm aware of the pavilion project because my mom and dad have discussed it frequently. My dad’s excited to tear down the old picnic structure where kids like to hang out to drink and smoke. I’ve seen the plans for the new pavilion, and it’s amazing.

But this sounds like David’s involvement is new.

“David’s really handy,” I say, then quickly add, “Right? I assume all the Bennett boys are.”

Okay, decent save. But their mom does a ton of renovating and building. No, not huge park pavilion structures, but I’ll bet Delaney could if she wanted to.

“And he’s a guy who wears a uniform around here like the rest of you,” I point out. I know the rest of the men involved in the community service project are cops, firefighters, and EMTs, and there are even a couple of National Guardsmen helping.

“Yeah, it makes sense,” my dad says with a heavy sigh. “And I’ve been thinking I needed to call him anyway. But I’ve been putting it off because I knew it would be a pain in the ass.”

Okay, yes, David hasn’t been involved before now.

I fight the urge to frown at my dad’s clear exasperation.

My mom chuckles at my dad’s evident annoyance, and he shoots her a frown.

She holds up her hands. “Oh, come on, you and David butt heads because you are so much alike.”

Dad rolls his eyes.

“Are they?” I ask, risking the conversation about David deepening and having something show in my face or voice.

My mom’s eyes widen as if this is the most obvious thing in the world, and she nods. “Not just the uniform thing either. They’re both super protective, absolute rule followers, perfectionists, and stubborn as hell.”

I think about all of that and realize she’s spot on.

“They would do anything for this town and the people in it,” my mom continues. “They love Sapphire Falls, and sleep, breathe, and eat ways to make it better every day.”