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“I own a wholesale grocery supply warehouse,” Cali says with a smile. “Just tell me what you need and I can bring it right over.”
“And Connie’s great with a camera,” Buckee says, cutting his program back to where Connie’s look-alike is looking thoughtful on a ranch, her cotton candy hair beneath her cowboy hat blowing stiffly in the breeze. “She can take some great photos of your recipes.”
“I think Connie would enjoy that,” Cole agrees. “She was great at our wedding.”
As I gaze at everyone in astonishment, the same questions that I had for Cole when he first offered me his help come rushing back.
Why? Why did these people want to help some strange girl that just popped into their lives? At least with Cole, he’s getting something out of the deal. His land.
But what about everyone else?
I’ve never gotten anything in life for free or just because. So why now?
As I gaze into Cole’s eyes I can almost see the answer.
Love?
Or wishful thinking?
“Speaking of recipes... Do you know how to barbecue? I have a crap ton of whiskey I can’t drink anymore and a load of ribs to soak them in.”
“She’s not here to work Bucks,” Cole says with a sigh, but I actually never feel more relaxed than when I’m cooking.
“What?” Buckee shrugs. “It’s good practice for the concert.”
“Who eats ribs at a concert?” Kai says, wrinkling his brow.
Ash elbows Kai and mutters under his breath, “That’s not the point. Why would you try to take away an opportunity to eat some good barbecue?”
Ignoring them, I tell Bucke, “I actually infused rum into a dessert I made last week. I’d love to experiment with other liquors.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Cole whispers in my ear.
Then I turn to tell him, “I know. But I want to. I love cooking.” As I get to my feet I ask, “Where’s the kitchen?”
“After me,” Buckee says, rolling his wheelchair down the hall.
