Page 129 of Mr. B

“Oh, no, he did. Roland was just incredibly busy last week.”

“Right. Thank you, Polly.”

“First period has started. Would you like to say a few words?”

“Yeah. I think I can actually think now. I’ll be right out.”

He stood and went to Cassandra. “Thank you for getting me back here.”

“I had a lot of help.”

“Yeah, but I can’t kiss everyone.” He pulled her close and kissed her. “So, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now go out there and let the kids know that you’re back. Then I’ll go park the Wagoneer where it belongs.”

Wes spent his first day back cleaning up the mess Ryan had made of his office. By 4:30 he was ready to leave, and he went to Cassandra’s office. The door was open a few inches, and he pushed it a few more.

“Are you ready to get out of here?”

She smiled. “Very.”

“Can we go get some dinner, or do you need to get home?”

“Bailey has practice for the fall showcase until 5:30.”

“Plenty of time to eat. You should have her come meet us when she’s done.”

“Are you ready for that? Family time?”

“I am.”

“Okay, I’ll text her. Where are we going?” She cocked her head. “Oh, right, Rocco’s. Because we didn’t get enough pizza last night.”

“I didn’t get any pizza. I kept getting interrupted.”

“Rocco’s it is. Do you ever eat anywhere else in town?”

“Burgers from Molly’s once in a while. I feel like I’m cheating on my brothers if I go anywhere else.”

Cassandra took his arm. “I’m sure you do. Let’s just hope that after last night, they still have ingredients left to make pizzas.”

“I imagine they sent Luke on an emergency supply run to White City this morning.”

When they arrived at Rocco’s, the parking lot was empty. Inside, Gentry and Abe were deep cleaning the kitchen, while Maggie filled the red pepper and Parmesan shakers on the tables. They all looked up expectantly when the bell rang over the door.

Abe sighed. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Wow.”

“Sorry, it’s been dead all day. Thought we might have a customer.”

“I’ll pay for our pizza if that will help.”

Gentry walked out and shook Wes’ hand. “Ignore him. After yesterday, a no customer day is welcome as far as I’m concerned.”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “No customers?”

“We had a few for lunch, but it’s been empty since two.”