Be Sweet by Diann Hunt Page B

911.
    â€œAt least they know they can come here anytime they want.”
    I nod. “That would help ease the loss.” After taking a drink of iced tea, I put my glass on the coaster next to the phone on the stand. “So how did dinner go with Russ?”
    â€œHe was real disappointed you didn’t stay,” Daniel says.
    â€œDanny, behave yourself.” My sister turns to me. “We had a nice dinner. He caught us up on how his parents are getting along, shared a little about his travels in the military, that kind of thing.”
    â€œDid you guys round up any more help for the syrup?”
    â€œNothing definite yet. But I think we’ll be okay. We have Daniel—”
    â€œIn the evenings, after work,” I interject.
    â€œWell, we have the boys—”
    â€œWho won’t be here until spring break and then only for a week.”
    Janni frowns, hesitates, and then brightens. “There’s always you and me—”
    â€œAnd we’ll be working in the kitchen to take food out to the workers.”
    â€œWhat are you, the voice of doom and gloom?”
    â€œI try.”
    â€œSo I’ve noticed.”
    â€œOh, and we have a kid from Tappery’s General Store who wants to earn some extra money. Said he might be able to help us—”
    â€œAlso over spring break.”
    â€œAnd don’t forget Mom and Dad,” Daniel says. “When they’re up to it.”
    â€œOkay, let me see if I have this straight. We’ve got a part-time man, two part-time teenagers, one possibility, two retirees, and two kitchen helpers with no full-time crew to feed?”
    Janni rubs her jaw and makes a face. “I see your point.”
    â€œWell, the good news is most of the workers you have lined up know the business, so we’ll get the job done.” My voice is upbeat and encouraging, but I have to wonder how we’re going to pull this off. It’s a skeleton crew for sure. Speaking of skeletons, I wonder if there are any lurking between those sofa cushions.
    â€œWe can handle it. Fifteen acres, about three hundred fifty taps, we’ll get by.” Daniel smiles, he and Janni completely lapless as they sink further into the sofa. It could be one of those Narnia things. Instead of a wardrobe, they have the sofa where you sit down and slip into another world. If he disappears, I’m so not doing double duty on the maple trees.
    â€œOkay, let’s think this through. We need someone to drive the truck while others empty the bags of syrup into the pan on the back of the truck bed.”
    â€œYeah, then the real work begins down at the Sugar Shack.” Janni shakes her head. “Now I’m beginning to wonder how we’ll get it done.”
    â€œWe really need to work in shifts when things start buzzing. Once that syrup is ready, it’s ready,” Daniel says, heaving himself partially up, thereby bringing his thighs back into the light of day. He brushes some dirt from his boots and leaves debris on the floor. No wonder they have carpet issues.
    â€œWe’ll figure out something.” No need to tell her I have major doubts. “You know what Mom always says, ‘Things could be worse.’”
    â€œMom could write her own book of quotes.”
    Just then a rap sounds on the door, and Janni gets up. We enjoy a chuckle until Janni opens the door and Mom’s standing there as big as you please, suitcase in hand.
    Mom takes one look at Janni and says, “Well? You gonna let me in?”
    Janni slowly steps out of Mom’s way. “You didn’t need to bring your suitcase over just to have dessert, Mom.” We’re both practically holding our breath here.
    â€œI need a room,” she says, matter-of-factly, closing the door behind her. She turns back to Janni. “I’m not living with that man another minute.”

five
    â€œ Which room do you want me in?” Mom asks, already