Page 86 of Small Town Swoo
“That’s right.” I folded my arms over my chest. “I’ve been the boss for ten days, and I’m going to stay the boss for one more. You’re fired. Go home.”
My dad chuckled as my mom put an arm around him, shepherding him back toward the kitchen.
I stood there for another minute or two, fidgeting with the hem of my apron and thinking about what mymother had said.That’s a lot of money to borrow. What happens if this venture doesn’t work out? How will you pay it back?
When the kitchen door swung open again, my mother looked at me with surprise. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“Nothing. I was just—I’m really worried about Dad.”
“He’ll be fine,” she said. “I’ll get him all tucked into bed and come back shortly.”
“Okay, but don’t mention anything to Dad about the food truck idea, okay? I get it—it’s just not the time.”
“I won’t say a word,” she said, pretending to zip her lips. “Now what do you say we get some specials on the board? Got anything new to add this morning? One of your fancy French toast recipes?”
“No.” I opened the drawer and reached for the chalk and eraser. “We can just stick to the old favorites today.”
After my shift, I went out to my car and texted Dash.
Hey, I brought up the food truck idea to my mom and she doesn’t think it’s the right time. We don’t have to drive all the way down to Etoile next week.
Are you trying to get out of our dinner date?
No, but we could have a less expensive dinner around here. Or we can cook at home.
I don’t care about the money. I’ve got Bulge Bucks. And I still want to look at the truck.
Dash. There’s no point.
I have strong feelings about this, Ari. And you’re the one who said I shouldn’t keep burying them. We’re going.
LOL okay fine. Are you still coming over for dinner?
Yes. What movie are you torturing me with tonight?
I was thinking about Shakespeare in Love.
Is it sexy?
Actually, yes. It is.
Happy ending?
For you, always.
Then I will come.
And so will you.
Probably twice.
Laughing, I dropped my phone into my bag. My stomach, which had been aching all day, suddenly felt fine.
He always made me feel better.
For dinner, I decided to make spaghetti and meatballs. While I cooked, I told him about the conversation with my mom.
“So she didn’t give it a hard no,” Dash said, slicing cucumbers for salads.
