Page 23 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

Tyler tugged the blanket to get my attention. “I’m hungry. Mom, can I have pancakes for breakfast?”

“Of course you can.”

After Tyler hugged me, he ran out of my room, and Kate chased after him. I grabbed my cell and strolled to the kitchen, still wearing my PJs. While I whipped up pancake batter and poured the first beige puddle into a sizzling frying pan, Kate showed Tyler pictures on her phone.

Because of the bond they shared, I had appointed Kate to be his guardian if something were to happen to me. Morbid thought, but it had to be done. After Steve had passed, I’d remembered every day that life was fleeting.

“Breakfast is ready.” I flipped the last pancake onto a plate.

Kate poured coffee for both of us and juice for Tyler. Tyler pulled out the utensils and napkins and set them out on the table—his responsibility. Now that he was old enough to understand the value of money, I gave him a monthly allowance for helping around the house.

I placed the plates on the table and eased into a chair across from Kate. The white stoneware with blue orchids had been wedding gifts from one of my friends. I used these plates daily, but dreaming about Steve last night had me nearly in tears again. Some days, memory took hold more powerfully than others.

The first bittersweet taste of coffee hit my tongue, and my shoulders relaxed. “Kate, do you have plans today?”

“What did you have in mind?” She paused, her knife embedded in the stack of pancakes.

Her hesitation made me cautious. I didn’t want her to feel like she had to spend time with me, especially after last night.

I bored my gaze into her. “If you have plans, don’t change them.”

“I don’t.” She turned to Tyler and smiled.

She avoided my eyes. I decided not to argue about it and enjoy her company. It seemed so rare, these days outside of work.

I swallowed a bite of syrup-drenched pancake and wiped my mouth with a paper napkin. “I was thinking we could drive up the North Shore to Hanalei. I know a place where they catch live seafood and serve it to you. It’s a beautiful day and—”

“Perfect,” Kate said before I could finish, and drank her coffee.

I arched my eyebrow. “Do you want to invite Lee and Bridget?” I asked to be polite.

“Not this time. Besides, it’s been a while since the three of us did something together.”

“Are you sure?” She hated when I second-guessed her, but I still suspected she was breaking plans to hang out with us.

“Yes, I’m sure,” Kate pressed, a hint of annoyance in her tone. “But I’d like to go to my place and change first.”

“Of course. Or you can borrow something of mine.”

Tyler glanced between me and Kate, his grin hesitant at first and then growing. I knew he missed his aunt living with us, and he must be happy.

A flash of light on the table caught my attention. I hadn’t checked my cell phone yet. A text had come from an unknown caller. I was going to dismiss it, but Kate asked, “Who is it?”

I clicked on it and read it out loud, assuming we’d get a laugh about a wrong number. “‘Good morning. Just checking up on you. Last night was …’” I skipped a few words and stuttered to a stop. My cheeks warmed, and my voice hitched. “Oh, it’s from Jane.”

Kate gave me a suspicious sidelong glance. She’d caught on that I didn’t want to say someone’s name in front of Tyler. I didn’t want my son to get the wrong impression of Ian and me. Not that there was anything between us besides friendship.

“Well, let’s finish up and get going, right, Ty?” Kate slapped the table and stood, drawing his attention.

“I’m done.” He stuffed in the last bite of pancake.

Kate cradled the coffee mug and took a sip. “Maybe you should reply.” She gave me a wicked smile over the rim of her cup. “Let Jane know you’re fine. Don’t keep her waiting. It’s rude.”

I waved a hand like I was shooing away a fly and swiped the phone.

Abby: Good morning. Thank you for your concern. Tyler and I are fine.

Maybe I should take out Tyler’s name. I tried again.