“We’re just friends.” That sounded weak, even to him. “I mean, I like her… it’s just… complicated.”
“Isn’t it always?” Natalie scooped up her purse. “Let’s get to the cafe. No time like the present to ask her.”
“I haven’t actually decided if I’m going to ask her.”
“Yes, you have. You’re asking her.” His sister turned her back on him to silence any more argument and headed out the door.
He followed her out to the truck and all the way to the cafe he mentally rehearsed asking Keely.
~ * ~
Keely looked up to see Hunt and Natalie walk in the door to the cafe. She hadn’t seen Hunt since he took her to a movie two days ago. Her heart skipped a beat when he flashed a smile her direction. Though, that was silly. He was going to leave soon. There was really no point in getting worked up about his good looks, sexy smile, or the way he sort of took her breath away when he kissed her. No. No reason to think about that at all.
Natalie walked over and tucked her purse under the counter. “Hunt has something he wants to ask you.”
Hunt shot his sister a nasty glance.
What was that all about?
Before Hunt had a chance to say anything, Kat came rolling out of the office. “Hi, you two.”
“Hi, Katherine. I was just saying that Hunt has something to ask Keely.” Natalie shot back a pointed look at her brother.
Katherine looked at Hunt expectantly. Hunt glared at his sister. “What Natalie is so kindly butting in about is… well, I wondered if you’d like to go down to the gulf coast with me for a few days. I have a photo assignment I picked up. Thought you might like to tag along. Take a few days off.”
“Oh, I don’t know…” She couldn’t just up and leave the cafe for days.
“Sounds like a great idea to me. When are you leaving?” Katherine jumped in.
“I have to leave within a few days to get there and take the photos and get them sent in by my deadline.”
“Perfect. Leave tomorrow. I’ll be fine here with the cafe.” Katherine nodded her head.
“I’ll pick up some extra shifts while you’re gone. Jenny found me a great high school girl for a sitter for evenings and weekends now that Katherine is working so much at the cafe. I’ll call her to watch the boys.” Natalie added her agreement.
“I can’t just leave.” Keely felt a mild panic rise up in her. She had to be here, it was her responsibility.
Becky Lee walked up to the counter and set down a pitcher of tea. “What’s up?”
“We’re just convincing Keely to go away to the coast for a few days with Hunt. Take a quick vacation,” Katherine said.
“Sounds like a fabulous idea.” Becky Lee agreed with Katherine. “I can work extra if you need me.”
“It’s all settled then. You leave tomorrow.” Katherine said it like it was all decided.
But it wasn’t. She couldn’t just leave the place to run itself.
“I’ve got this. Really. You go and have a good time. When is the last time you’ve gotten away? Heck, when have you even taken a day off? It will be good for you.” Katherine looked at her expectantly.
“I don’t know.” Keely felt herself wavering. Kat had learned a lot in the last month or so, and if Natalie and Becky Lee were around, too… How long had it been since she’d taken a break? She couldn’t even remember the last time.
“So, what do you say?” Hunt looked at her with that darn irresistible smile.
“Okay, okay. You think we could be back in two days?”
“Three or four days would work, too.” Katherine grinned. “How much could go wrong here in just a handful of days?”
Keely gave up. There was no way she could argue with all of them. Besides, the idea was starting to have a bit of an appeal.
“I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow morning.”
“Pick me up here at the cafe. I’ll get it opened and—.”
“Keely means to pick her up at home. I’ll open the cafe tomorrow,” Katherine interrupted.
“I’ve got the morning shift tomorrow. We’ll be fine. Honest. Go have fun.” Becky Lee grabbed some menus and went to greet a group of customers who had just walked in.
“Katherine, let’s go check the schedule and see when else Becky Lee and I can help.” Natalie headed back towards the office and Katherine followed behind her, stopping at a table to chat briefly with Widow Schneider.
“I guess it’s all settled then?” Hunt raised one eyebrow.
“I guess it is.” Keely wasn’t sure how she’d been talked into this. Her mind immediately went into overdrive. She’d sit down and make a list of things that Kat needed to remember to do. Kat could always call if she had questions, right?