Page 80 of Take My Name

Mom

I made some fresh banana bread for you. Come over after work.

Staring at the text, I wonder if it’s some kind of trap.

Knowing my mother and how often she talks to Aunt JoJo, she wants details.

Warren

Okay, thanks. I can’t stay long though.

I need to get home and ready for tonight before Maisie arrives.

Mom

It won’t take long!

So she says.

Once I’ve finished feed inventory and reordering what we need, I do an equipment maintenance check. With the peak summer season approaching, it’s better to get everything stocked and looked over before we get too busy.

We get regular orders of hay and straw bales delivered and it’s all hands on deck to get it put away.

Before leaving for the day, I walk through the stables and check how everyone’s doing. There’s a nice breeze coming through the barn doors, which helps when it’s a cloudless hot day.

“Hey,” Bodie calls, rushing up behind me. “Ready for tonight?”

I scowl at his hand on my shoulder. “I guess.”

“Colt and I will be your wingmen. Ricky too. We’ll make sure y’all have fun.”

“Great,” I deadpan.

Three single party boys third-wheeling my date.

Exactly what I need.

“Don’t worry!” He smacks my shoulder again. “It’ll be fun.”

“Mhm. I already regret lettin’ you talk me into this.”

Before leaving, I peek into a few stalls and make sure the water buckets are full.

“Alright, see ya later,” I tell him and walk to my truck.

When I pull up to the two-story white farmhouse with a wraparound porch and a million plants, I let myself in and inhale the scent of fresh bread.

“Is that my favorite nephew?” Aunt JoJo calls out.

“Are you allowed to say that?” I tease, entering the kitchen.

After her divorce ten years ago, my parents converted their garage to an apartment so she could stay on the property and manage the restaurant. But when she’s not working, she’s usually baking with my mom.

“As long as the three of y’all aren’t in the same room at the same time.” She winks, drying her hands off on her apron to hug me.

“Thanks again for last night,” I tell her. “It wasincredible.”

“You’re so welcome, sweetie. Looks like y’all had a great time.”