Page 62 of Traces Of You

“It’s fine. I just mopped the floors and ran over while they dried, then I can finish cleaning. Your mother was busy prepping for tomorrow.”

She finished piling everything in the box without looking at Clay. Too bad he was blocking her way when she went to leave.

“Thanks for everything you’re doing with my mother.”

Those words surprised her. “I like your mother a lot. You guys don’t know how lucky you were or are to have her in your life.”

Clay smirked. “We know. She reminds us daily.”

“Never take it for granted. I need to get back.”

Clay didn’t move. “You’re a hard worker.”

“I am.” What was his deal? This was so uncomfortable.

“It doesn’t mean I trust you, but Ford does.”

“I’m not here to cause harm to you or your family.”

“You can’t harm me,” Clay said.

“There you go.” When he didn’t move, she said, “You’re blocking me.”

He stepped aside slightly. “Thanks for the fliers and getting the word out on social media. I need to spend more time on that shit.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t mind doing it. It’s not as if I’ve got much going on when I’m not working and I’m barely working forty hours a week at the cafe. Not even every day.”

“My mother has you working what she feels is a fair trade for the cabin and the costs associated with it. Which I heard was your negotiations.”

“I’m not here to take advantage of anyone or anything.”

“Until you’re gone?” Clay asked.

She lifted her eyes to his. The same dark eyes as Ford, but Clay’s were much more serious. “I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

She elbowed him out of the way and all but rushed to her car, threw the box in the front seat and returned to the cafe.

“What’s wrong?” Brooke asked when she came in the back door as if there were monsters on her heels.

“Nothing,” she said. “Just wanted to get out of your way.”

Brooke stared at her the same as her children all did. As if they didn’t believe the words out of her mouth, or wanted to see through her for the truth.

“Enjoy the rest of your day off,” Brooke said.

“I will. I’ve got some work to do.”

“Life isn’t all about work,” Brooke said.

“That’s funny coming from someone who is working eleven hours a day.”

Brooke winked at her. “I don’t consider it work when it’s what I love, but it is nice to have a day off.”

“Any time you want to take a day off and think I’m ready to do the baking, I will.”

“I’ll think about it,” Brooke said. “Normally I do a bunch of baking the day before if I’m going to take some time off.”

“I can help you do that too so you know I can handle it.”