Copper Lining (The Cardwell Family Series Book 3)
Page 18
Celia’s eyes meet mine. “Mom’s a tense person. She’s so easy to mess with.”
Minka raises her glass in the air. “Bex, can I get another drink, please?”
“Of course,” Bex calls from across the dining room. “Your breadsticks are coming right up.”
“So, Wes,” Celia says and turns to me. “Lucie says you’re the Manta Ray Whisperer. What does that mean exactly?”
I push the sleeves of my shirt higher on my forearms. “It means that I’m able to calm people and the rays when we come in contact with them.”
“What’s a manta ray. Is it like a stingray?” She plays with the straw in her glass.
“Manta rays aren’t dangerous. They don’t have a stinger on their tails like a stingray. But they can freak people out because of their curious nature to swim around divers.”
“How many kinds of rays are in Hawaii?”
“Officially, I think three. Let’s see, there are eagle rays. They’re a shy species, and they’re wary of divers. But their tail spines are venomous and can cause significant wounds,” I explain and then take a sip of beer.
Answering all these questions—my mouth is getting dry.
“Oh, that’s really cool. You know my mom went to Hawaii a few months ago?”
My eyes meet Minka’s, and I look for any sign of how to answer this question. We’re given a little extra time when Bex drops off our breadsticks.
“Actually, that’s a funny coincidence, Cece,” Minka begins and unfolds her napkin. “Because I actually met Wes in Hawaii. I got myself in a sticky situation with a few spotted eagle rays.”
I laugh. “A few? There were like fifteen.”
Celia takes a breadstick from the basket and dips it in the cheese sauce. “Fifteen? Holy cow, Mom. Were you scared?”
Minka tears off part of her breadstick. “Yes, but Wes did a really good job of keeping me safe.”
Celia shakes her head and goes back for more dip. “So weird that you met in Hawaii and now you work together.”
Some people might call that fate, kiddo.
My eyes meet Minka’s and her lips quirk into a small smile.
Minka
“I’ve never been to Kentucky before,” Celia announces.
“It’s pretty cool,” Wes tells her. “There’s lots to see. We’ve got a soda shop where they make the best chocolate shakes you’ve ever had. If you like burgers, there’s a drive-in restaurant where the servers wear roller skates to bring you your food.”
“Oh, wow, that’s cool. Can we go sometime, Mom?”
“Sure, sweetie.”
“Wes, will you come too?”
“Wouldn’t say no to The Penny Plate’s fries for anything,” he answers.
Once we hit cruising altitude, Wes helps Celia pick a movie. I’m too busy internally freaking out because I don’t have a plan for Celia, and I still have a job to do.
She can’t stay at the apartment by herself, and she can’t stay with her dad because Noah’s in the middle of his European tour.
Which reminds me to text him and give him all the information about Celia’s camp.
“You all good with your movie, Cece?”
“Yep. How long until we get there?”
Our flight attendant, Sara, makes her way into the cabin. “Just under four hours. You’ll arrive at the airstrip just before midnight.”
“I’m going to be a zombie at work tomorrow,” Wes mentions.
“Would either of you care for a drink?”
“I’ll have a bourbon.” Wes cocks a brow at me. “Minka?”
“Why the heck not. A white wine, please.”
After we get our drinks, Sara offers Celia pretzels and sparkling water. Once Celia pops her earbuds in, I blow out a deep breath and rub at my temples.
“What’s on your mind?”
I lean forward. “I don’t have a plan for Celia while I’m here. I didn’t even think about it.”
Wes taps my knee. “That’s because your only concern at the time was getting to your daughter. Besides, I thought of something.”
My eyes pop wide. “You did?”
He nods and a slow smile spreads across his lips. “Tomorrow, Celia is going to spend the morning with Haven and my mom. They’re going to take her to the horse park to see the retired racehorses and take a tour of the museum. Then they’re taking Celia out to my parents’ house for lunch with my mom, and they’re going to spend the afternoon in the pool. Mom’s even buying supplies for an ice cream sundae bar.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat. “When did you have time to do all this?”
He holds up his phone. “The nice thing about being part of a big family is our family group text. I just told them that Celia is going to be here, and everyone jumped in with a million ideas.”
“Wow, thank you so much.”
“And I’m waiting to hear back from Olivia, remember her?”
I nod and take a drink of my wine. “Yeah, she’s Caroline’s friend.”
“Yeah, she’s also the program director at the Community Center in Smyrna Hills. She’s sending me a schedule for the day camps along with pricing. So, you can enroll Celia in the camp if you want. And you can go week by week.”
This man.
A thoughtful gesture.
More and more, Wes surprises me.
“Thank you, Wes.” I reach for his hand and squeeze. “I honestly don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll have dinner with me Saturday night. And you can say yes because I’ve got a roster full of potential kid sitters.”
This is it. This is what it means to have a family. It’s all the things I’ve wanted, but I just had the wrong people around me.
I sit back in my chair and take another drink. “Okay, I’ll go out with you Saturday night.”
“Good.” He smirks, and then he flops onto the couch. “You want to watch a movie? I’ve heard good things about Bombshell and 1917.”
“Bombshell, and I’m going to need more wine.”
“You got it.”
This is what I’ve envisioned for my life. Not the private jet and a sexy man pouring me a glass of wine.
That’s a nice bonus.
This is what I’ve longed for—what I’ve been missing. Someone to share my life with and look after and vice versa. I’m completely overwhelmed in the best way at the thoughtfulness that Wes put into my situation with Celia.
To my surprise, I’m falling for “too young for me Wes”—the man who turns out to be just right for my life.
It’s been over a week since we got back from New York, and she hasn’t stopped talking about her day with Haven and Iris.
For our Saturday night date, Wes took me to a wine bar in Smyrna Hills, and Celia hung out with his parents making homemade ice cream and swimming in the pool. Beau promised next time she could ride one of the horses. And surprise, surprise, she talks about it every day.
Wes’ mom told me that she’d look after Celia anytime I had to work late or if I needed a weekend for adult time. It’s been nice having so many people offer to help with Celia. It’s not something I’m used to.
Celia’s enrolled in day camp and loves it. She’s already made friends and she’s been invited to a sleepover this weekend at Savannah Hawkins’ house.
I met Savannah’s mom, Keely, for coffee at Beans and Cream this morning. She’s really nice, and it turns out she works at the high school. Caroline and Sawyer both said the Hawkins’ family are good people.
I’m in the executive dining room reading up on coffee flavor trends when I hear my name.
“Minka, you will never believe it.” Brant’s designer shoes chew up the space between us.
“Oh gawd, did I miss it? Did Caroline have the baby?”
He laughs. “No, we’re a few weeks away still. Besides, my wife would freak out if she had the baby before the shower this weekend.”
“So, what’s up?” I take my glasses off and lay them on the table.
“Are you serious?”
“Yep, so, we need more jam. Tyler said that you’re welcome to use his kitchen to make it.”
“Great. That’s awesome.”
“I’ve got a meeting with our distillery manager, Laura, in thirty minutes to see if we have the right equipment to put the sauce into production in our facility for sales. I really don’t want to outsource, but Tyler’s got a guy making his syrup, so I can always go that route. Anyway, I’ll want your input on the package and label design.”
“Sounds perfect—Celia’s at camp for a few more hours. I can head over to Tyler’s now to make the jam. If that’s okay?”
He stands and smiles. “Of course. And I’d like to buy the recipe from you, or you’re welcome to share in the profits. It’s whatever you’re comfortable with.”
I close my notebook and power down my laptop. “How about you have your lawyers draw up a contract. I’ll review it with my lawyer and get back to you.”
He cringes. “Lawyers and contracts, it’s just business, but it feels so sterile. You’ve been here a few months, and it feels like you’re a part of our family.”
“Well, think of it this way,” I say as I sling my laptop bag over my shoulder, and we walk toward the door. “I’m already under contract with you, so what’s one more?”
“Yeah, actually, I’d like to talk to you about that,” Brant drawls out. “You’ve been such an asset to us in the short time you’ve been here. If you want it, there’s a job here for you.”
Shock courses through my body. “I . . . wow. I didn’t expect you to offer me a permanent position. Especially given the fact that I haven’t delivered you a bourbon recipe.”
His giant arms cross over his chest. “I’m actually working on something myself. Tyler gave me an idea for a sweet and spicy blend.”
“Really? According to Wes, ‘blend’ is a dirty word in this business, and he told me that you’d never go for it.”
Brant laughs and runs a hand through his dark hair. “Well, things change, and I never thought of anything outside of just bourbon. But now we have the cocktail kits, bars in jars, and the bacon bourbon jam. And from the glance I took at your notes, you’re working on something involving bourbon flavored coffee creamer.”
“Guilty as charged.” My shoulder rests against the doorframe. “When do you need my answer?’
“I figured you wouldn’t be able to give me a quick answer. I’m sure you have a lot to consider with moving across the country. And there’s Celia to think about too. I don’t plan on offering the job to anyone else. If you want it, it’s yours. If you can’t take it permanently, I’d be happy to consult with you each quarter to brainstorm ideas.”
I laugh and feel tears prick my eyes. “That’s really generous. Thank you.”
Brant leaves, and I sag further onto the cool metal of the door frame. I love working here. Hell, it doesn’t even feel like work most days. It’s the joy of creating and being a part of something bigger than myself.
My phone rings and Sadie’s name appears on the screen.
“Hey, Sadie, long time no speak.”
“Minka, I didn’t think you’d pick up, but I’m so glad that you did.”
“What’s up?”
“Love and Dine wants to give you your own show. Five days a week. Right after the morning show. The contract is unbelievable. And it comes with a book deal—your own cookbook. And, of course, the book will be a hit. It’s what you’ve always wanted.”
My heart skips a beat and emotion clogs my throat. My own cookbook? It’s been a goal of mine since I started blogging way back in the day.
“When do they need an answer?”
“They need to know your answer by the first of September. They want to start shooting right away.”
She keeps talking and I barely register the words.
“This is a wonderful offer, Minka. You and Celia will be set for life. I’ve emailed you the contract and terms. Just review them and let me know what you think. It’s all so exciting.”
The excitement flickers and dies when I think about Wes and the job offer Brant just extended. Two incredible opportunities.
Lucky for me, I’m off to make jam, so that will help me process everything.
Wes
I haven’t seen Minka since the staff meeting. I thought I might find her in the executive dining room. No such luck.
When I get back to my office, I send her a text.
Me: Afternoon, gorgeous. Where are you hiding?
Minka. I’m making jam at Tyler’s restaurant. I have a lot to make.
Me: That’s right. I heard something about the bourbon bacon cheeseburgers being a hit. You need an extra set of hands?
Minka: Nah, I got this. I know you’re busy.
Busy? I’m not that busy. The private tastings are booked out until Halloween. When I looked at the sign-up sheet, there wasn’t a single event that needed my help. The entire sales staff had it covered.
The money we’ve generated has allowed us to hire another full-time salesperson. Aside from training the new hire and getting things organized for the farmers market, I’d say everything is running smoothly.
I spend the rest of the day poring over sales reports and catching up on industry news. When four o’clock rolls around, I finish the day answering emails and returning phone calls.
My phone buzzes. Minka’s name appears on the screen.
“Hey, still making jam?”
“Yeah, and Tyler roped me into making cupcakes for tonight’s menu.”
“Oh, did he now? I think he’s trying to steal you away from us.”
She laughs. “Yeah, I don’t think so, but I’m having fun. But this isn’t the reason I called. I need a favor.”
“Sure thing. What’s up?”
“Can you pick Celia up from day camp?”
“Of course. Where do I need to go?”
“I’ll text you the information, and I’ll call Olivia to tell her that you’ll be picking her up.”
“Okay, sounds good.” I power down my computer. “Uh, do you want me to drop Celia off at Saffron House?”
“No, no, um, how about you take her to your place, and I’ll bring a pizza home for dinner?”
I laugh. “You girls and your pizza. Do you eat anything else?”
“Har har,” she mocks. “Okay, if not pizza, do you have a suggestion?”
“I do. I happen to make a killer baked ziti. Three kinds of cheese.”
“Wow, well, how can I say no to that?”
“That’s right, sweetheart. Your man can cook.”
“I should be done soon and at your house by six-thirty. Thanks, Wes, you’re a lifesaver.”
I can practically see Minka’s smile and gorgeous hazel eyes lighting up her face.
“You’re welcome.”
The call ends, and I fish my keys from the top of my desk drawer. Spending time with Celia will be good. My phone screen lights up with the time and place to pick her up.
I shut the lights off in my office and lock the door. Once I’m in my truck, I head toward the grocery store for supplies.
“Hi, Wes!” Celia shouts and gives me a hug. “Olivia said that you were picking me up. Mom has to work late, huh?”
I give her a big smile. “Not too late. How’d you like to have dinner at my house?”
“Sure!” Celia grins happily. “What are you making?”
I wave to Olivia and sign Celia out. “Have you ever had baked ziti?”
She nods and scoops up her lunch bag from the locker area. “Yes! It’s yummy.”
“I use three kinds of cheese.”
She glances over her shoulder and her eyes sparkle. “Three? No way.”
“For real.”
We trek toward my truck as Celia talks about he
r day. Kickball. Arts and crafts. I get her safely in the backseat of my truck. In the rearview mirror, I watch to make sure she fastens the seatbelt.
Celia kicks her sparkly pink and purple shoes against the back of the passenger seat. My brain shouts at me: “Don’t mess up the leather, kiddo.”
As soon as I pull out of the parking lot, she stops moving and watches as the town passes us by.
“This place is so cute.” She laughs and then rambles about everything she sees. The guy watering flowers. A huge yellow tractor driving down the street. The store with pink and purple clothes hanging in the front window.
“Look at the pink floats with the towels hanging through the middle.”
“That’s Caroline’s place.”
“Caroline, Caroline,” she repeats. “She’s your sister, right?”
I flick my turn signal. “My sister-in-law. She’s married to my brother, Brant. Haven is my sister.”
“Oh yeah,” she giggles. “You guys have funny names. There’s a boy at camp. His name is Reuben. Like the sandwich.”
“What do you know about a Rueben sandwich?”
She shrugs. “My mom’s made them before. Today at camp, Reuben told Savannah her drawing was ugly. I told him that wasn’t a nice thing to say. Then . . . ,” she says, her voice dropping to a whisper. “He stuck his middle finger up at me.”
Rueben sounds like a little asswipe.
“What did you do?”
“Nothing. I ignored him. He just wants attention, and I’m so not giving it to him.”
I choke back my laugh. Celia sounds more like an adult than most adults I know.
Turning onto the driveway, Celia gasps when I pull up to the house.
“Wow, this is your house?”
I pull inside the garage and kill the engine. “Actually, it’s my whole family’s house. But my parents said it was okay for me to live here. It used to be an old dairy barn.”
“For cows and goats?”
“Yep. Pretty neat, huh?”
She nods, and I scoop up my grocery bags from the passenger seat. I make my way to her door, and she climbs out. “My great-grandfather Cardwell built the barn.”
“Great-grandfather. Your grandpa’s dad?”