The Unexpected Wedding(19)

“That was nice of you. I appreciate it. I was going to go this weekend and load up.”

“Well, this should tide you over.”

“I’d say.” He grinned and turned to head inside.

She followed him into the small cottage. The front room was decorated simply and comfortably. A large fireplace and hearth graced the back wall. “This is nice.”

“It’s perfect for Scotty and me. I’m going to do some painting for Steve while I’m here in exchange for lower rent.”

Cal led the way into the small, bright kitchen. He set his packages on the counter and reached for hers.

“Let’s unpack all this and get it put away in the cabinets, then I’ll start some dinner. Thought I’d fry some chicken. Homegrown green beans. Made some potato salad. Peach pie for dessert.”

“I could get used to eating like this.” Cal grinned and reached inside a bag to begin unpacking the food.

Becky Lee nodded to the last bag. “That one has some cold beer if you’d like one.”

“Love one. How about you?”

“Sure. Why not? I do love an ice cold beer on a hot summer night like this.”

Thirty minutes later she had the groceries put away, chicken frying on the stove, and green beans simmering with hunks of bacon and onion.

Cal lounged against the counter, his long legs stretched out in front of him, taking occasional sips of beer and keeping her company.

“You should probably go get Scotty and let him get cleaned up for dinner. It will be ready soon.”

Cal pushed away from the counter and sauntered to the back door. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

She watched him cross the yard over to Steve’s to get Scotty, his tan legs and arms a sign of a man who liked to be outside. He had on worn khaki shorts and a t-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders. She couldn’t help giving him an appreciative stare.

She shook her head. It wasn’t like she was really dating him. It was just a pretense so she could see Scotty regularly.

~ * ~

Cal couldn’t help thinking how fine Becky Lee looked in her yellow sundress with her hair piled up on top of her head in a careless but adorable way. She’d slipped off her sandals and padded around barefoot in the kitchen. Yes, she was a pretty one. As he walked across to get Scotty, he reminded himself that he and Becky Lee weren’t dating. It was all just pretend.

“Come on, Scotty. Time to eat.”

“Bye, Josh. See you tomorrow.” Scotty dropped his ball and mallet into the croquet set stand and came running over to Cal. He skidded to a stop and turned around. “Bye, Louie.”

The dog barked once in answer.

They headed inside and Scotty went to get washed up for the meal. Cal wandered into the kitchen, wanting to help, but knowing he was basically a disaster in the kitchen. He could heat soup. Cook a microwave meal. Make a mean pot of coffee. He was going to have to learn to do better for Scotty. “Can I help you with anything?”

“You could set the table.”

That part of ‘cooking’ he could do. Cal rooted around in the cabinets and drawers and found the plates, glasses, and silverware. He quickly set the table as Becky Lee finished up cooking.

The three of them sat down to eat and an uncomfortable silence fell over the table. Cal shifted in his chair and looked over at Scotty. The boy was enjoying his meal, oblivious to the awkwardness hanging over them.

“Did you have—” Cal started to speak.

“How was your—” Becky Lee spoke at the same time.

They both laughed.

“You first.” Cal motioned to Becky Lee with his fork.

“I was just going to ask how your day went. Things working out with Steve?”

“Things are going well. I do like construction work. Making things, creating things, instead of tearing them down. Not exactly what I was raised to do, but I’m glad I’ve learned the skills. I don’t see myself as an office worker anyway. Guess it was a waste of my Harvard education.”

“Harvard. That’s impressive.”

“Yep. Business school, then one year working in my family business before I knew I had to get out of there. It was a cutthroat business and not for me. The family business buys out companies and just… destroys them. Closes them. Incorporates them into our business regardless of the collateral damage. I really hated it.”

“So you left?”

“Yes, it was…” How should he put this? “It was an ugly departure. Had to make a clean break. My father basically said to never show my face again.”

“I’m sorry.” Becky Lee’s eyes filled with sympathy.

“Don’t be. It was for the best. That kind of life would eat me alive. Eat most people alive. Same reason my brother left.”