Page 71 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

Leo bounded up the stairs and quickly packed, shoving clothes inside one of Earl’s old duffel bags—he had a collection of those too—then grabbed his glasses and contact lens stuff and added it to the bag. One quick zip—or it would have been if the old zipper hadn’t gotten caught halfway—and he headed downstairs, stopping right outside the door to pat himself down and make sure he had his apartment key. He found it in his left jeans pocket.

Leo swiftly navigated the now familiar staircase, slowing his steps when he reached the bottom. Via wasn’t happy with him right now and she’d probably want an explanation about his mother, one he wasn’t going to give. Not a great start to another bucket list item that Via was looking forward to.

At least Constance was gone. Mission accomplished.

The ride to the campsite was silent. Sir Meow was in the back seat sleeping in his catpack, ready for another adventure. Unlike the quiet times she and Leo had experienced before—coming backfrom the pumpkin patch, working in the shop together, or walking around Pecan Corner—this one was tense. Leo sat stiffly in the Subaru passenger seat, staring straight ahead, tension coming off him in waves. He was angry. Very angry. Sure, his expression was neutral, his body relaxed. He looked the same as always. Except for his eyes. She immediately saw the fury in them when he returned from whatever happened between him and Constance outside. She knew not to ask him about it. Not unless she wanted him to snap like a twig.

But if they were going to spend time under the stars, she didn’t want to spend it walking on eggshells. “I gave you plenty of chances to back out of this, Leo. I can turn around and drop you off if you don’t want to be here.”

“I told you I keep my word—”

“And I appreciate it. But this is supposed to be fun.”

“I’m having fun,” he said flatly.

“Right. You’re the life of the party right now.”

He sighed, his broad shoulders lowering a little. “Sorry,” he mumbled. He cast a side glance at her. “You’re very perceptive.”

“I know.”

His dimple deepened with his small smile. “All right, I’ll be a brighter penny from now on.”

“Interesting choice of words.” She adjusted the vent on the dashboard.

“Found it in one of Earl’s books,” he said.

“You’ve been reading some of them?” Whew, this was better than the sullen silence. “Which one?”

“Something on wedding etiquette from the 1900s.” He shrugged. “Why would Earl keep a book like—never mind, I already know. He never throws anything away.”

“I’m more curious why you’re reading an etiquette book.” Sheglanced at him, grinning. “Not exactly macho material, Harvard Boy.”

“Well, Smitten Kitten, I am a man of many interests.” He settled back against the seat. “Actually, I found it in a box with another book shoved inside. When I pulled it out, I skimmed the first page.” He cleared his throat, sounding like a British voiceover actor with his next words. “Ladies, make sure you’re a bright penny on your wedding day. Men do not want to marry a dreary daisy.”

Her hands gripped the steering wheel. He’d hit her biggest sore spot.

After her silence, he said, “Was it the accent? I bet it was the accent. I’m not very posh.”

“You were plenty posh. It’s just...”

“Oh.” He face-palmed. “Geez, Via. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

Fingers relaxing, she said, “I can’t avoid the subject of weddings forever.” She also shouldn’t have reacted so sharply to his innocent comment. He was just reciting words from a silly book and she should have responded appropriately.

“I won’t bring it up again. Promise.”He looked sincerely pained that he’d forgotten about her canceled wedding.

Without thinking, she reached for his hand. “Really, it’s okay.”

He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze before letting go. “Thanks.”

She turned left into a residential neighborhood. “We’re almost to the camping site.”

“Taking a shortcut?” he asked, looking around at the middle-class houses and manicured lawns they passed by.

“No.” She hid her grin, relieved that they were back on an even keel again. Boy was he in for a surprise.

A few minutes later, she pulled into her parents’ driveway. “Can you get Sir for me while I get my supplies?” she said, opening her door.