Heart's Haven by Lois Richer Page B

one arm through his, the other through Jack’s and drew them both along the street beside her as if she was in charge and they were two naughty boys who’d done something wrong. “Back to the Haven, guys. And next time when you come looking for me, Ty, don’t bring your car.”
    Six months, she’d said?
    Ty had doubts he’d make it through six more days.

Chapter Four

    C assidy scooped out the last morsel of mashed potato and plopped it onto a plate. She added meat, vegetables, a roll and gravy before handing it to Ty.
    “You’re timing is excellent. We’re down to mostly aroma and three rolls.” A surge of triumph rolled through her weary body.
    “How many?” he asked, scanning the room.
    “Two hundred and ninety-five plates not including the seconds we served.”
    He studied her face for a moment before grabbing another plate and dividing his meal. He handed the second plate to her.
    “It’s time for you to take a break,” he insisted when she tried to set it down. “You’ve been going at it for hours. Now enjoy your success and relax.”
    Cassidy wanted to argue, but she was too tired. Besides, Ty had come through with a dozen volunteers who were busy scrubbing the pots and pans. Everything was under control.
    “Come on,” he coaxed with a lazy grin. “You know you wa-a-ant it.”
    “What does that mean?” she asked, trailing behind him to an empty table.
    Ty did a second take then laughed.
    “I keep forgetting you haven’t been in the country for a while. It’s something the kids say. Jack uses it on me all the time.”
    “Speaking of Jack—where is he?” She glanced around the room curiously.
    Ty scanned the area, then scowled.
    “Supposed to be clearing tables. Which clearly isn’t happening.”
    So everything was not well between the two. Cassidy wasn’t surprised given the arguments she’d overheard the past few days.
    “Maybe he’s taking a break, too.” She sampled the beef and judged it perfect. “Teens don’t usually stick at anything as boring as cleaning without supervision.”
    Ty’s fork hit his plate so loudly that Cassidy thought the tired crockery would shatter.
    “Look, I can’t watch him all the time. I’ve got things to do.”
    She waited till he looked at her.
    “I wasn’t criticizing. I know you’ve been running on all cylinders.”
    He grimaced. “Sorry. Again.”
    “Forget it. You’re tired, I’m tired. Comes with the territory.”
    “You don’t look tired. You look like you’ve just been granted your dearest wish.”
    She felt the heat flood her cheeks and shrugged.
    “What can I say? I love cooking.”
    “And you’re very good at it, though I imagine I’m not the first to tell you that.” He sampled the beef then tilted his head in Davis’s direction. “He certainly has a gift for conversation.”
    Cassidy chewed her roll thoughtfully.
    “Davis could make a friend out of his worst enemy. He’s as lovable as a teddy bear.” She told Ty of the many times her friends had helped her through a rough afternoon though she never mentioned why it had been rough. Some things didn’t need sharing.
    “Were you ever—” Ty paused, raised an eyebrow. “Romantically involved?”
    “With Davis?” Cassidy made a face. “No way.”
    “Why not? Is there something wrong with him?”
    “Do not get me started on Davis’s faults.” She scrambled to escape this conversation. Judging by the way Ty was studying her it wouldn’t be easy. “Besides, I don’t get romantically involved.”
    “Why is that?”
    Cassidy pushed her plate away, her hunger dissipating like this morning’s fog.
    “Let’s just say I’m not good at putting my faith in people.” Especially men. She rose. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee. Do you want some?”
    “No, thanks.” Ty grimaced, shook his head. “My stomach couldn’t take it. Water is fine.”
    “I’ll see if there’s any cake left, too.” She hurried away without a backward glance, anxious to regroup