“What’s the temperature, bro?”
“Tell you after I read this text from Izzy and send a response.”
Roaster stuck in traffic jam caused by a ten-car pileup. Highway patrol set up a detour. Winding roads. I’m nervous. Naomi’s calm. How weird is that?
He quickly texted back. Is it there yet?
Not yet. Hope they anchored it well.
What could he say? I’m sure they did. He wasn’t sure at all.
She sent him an emoji making a face.
Jake straightened and took another swig from his jug. “What’s up with Isabel?”
“Her roaster’s taking a detour instead of the highway. Winding roads. She’s worried.”
“I would be, too. Any glitch like that gets you to thinking the whole plan might fall apart.”
“She said her sister’s calm, though.”
“Yeah, but her sister’s ass isn’t on the line.”
“Maybe not financially, but getting this problem resolved is important to her.”
“Well, sure. Hope it turns out okay, for everyone’s sake.”
“Me, too. Listen, I’m going over to Izzy’s cabin to wait for her tonight. I’d like to make the place look romantic. I could ask Millie what she would suggest, but you’re handy. How would you go about it?”
“Candles, for one thing. Millie greeted me with candles the first night we stayed together. And she had a fire going, but you don’t want to light a fire tonight.”
CJ laughed. “Yes, I do.”
“In the fireplace, smartass. Do you have time to go into town?”
“Yeah. I’m off at five.”
“Then pick up some apple-scented votives at the Apple Barrel. Buy a bunch, a dozen if they have that many. More is better with candles. Maybe look for a bottle of fake champagne at the market.”
“Non-alcoholic?”
“Yeah, that. Borrow an ice bucket, a stand and a couple of flutes from Kate. Make it look classy even if it is the fake kind.”
“Okay. Keep going.”
“Cue up a romantic playlist on your phone and…hold on, what am I saying? You play guitar, bro. You could serenade her.”
“That might look great in the movies, but I can’t imagine pulling it off. Maybe if I made my living that way I’d have the cojones to perform for her. I damn near asked to join the band on Tuesday night. Glad I didn’t.”
“Then forget that. I see your point. Go with the playlist on your phone, then. You could ask her to dance.”
“I like that idea.”
“Some guys scatter rose petals around. I’m not into roses, but you could see if they have any for sale at the market.”
“Have you noticed those don’t have much smell to ’em?”
“No, because I don’t do roses.”
“Henri’s roses smell way better. I’d rather ask her if I can have two or three off her bushes, and maybe gather up any petals that have fallen on the ground so I have some to scatter.”
“Better handle that before the shower starts.” He grinned. “You don’t want to be spotted lurking around Henri’s bushes and crawling around on the ground picking up rose petals. That’s not manly.”
“I’ll get that part done early. Assuming I end up with a bunch of rose petals, where do I scatter them?”
“I guess you throw ’em anywhere and everywhere. Fling ’em in the air like confetti for all I know.”
“Now that’s not manly.”
“Whatever. The rose petal distribution is up to you.”
“Is that it, then?”
“Chocolate’s a nice touch, but she’ll be sugared up from the treats at the baby shower. I’d skip the chocolate.”
“Good call.”
“Pulling out all the stops, are you?”
“You know what I’m up against. Wouldn’t you?”
“I suppose I would.” He gazed at him. “I feel for you, bro. Thank God I’m way past the torture you’re going through.”
“Worth it, though, right?”
“Absolutely worth it. But at the time I had my doubts.”
“I’ve got you beat, then. I have no doubts. And I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Okay, sis. The worst is over.”
“I won’t relax until Fred gets it running.” Isabel glanced at the time. Ten to six. Lucy would show up at six to escort her over to Henri’s.
“Fred will be here any minute,” Naomi said. “While the guys put the door back on, I’ll walk around your new roaster so you can see for yourself it arrived in perfect shape.”
“That would be great.” She focused on the screen. “Move back a little. Good. Terrific view. It really does look new. Now it just has to work.”
“It will.” The voice was familiar.
“Bob Kennedy? Is that you?”
“It’s him.” Naomi swung the phone toward Bob, who gave her a wave. He looked to be in his sixties, fit and attractive. Naomi turned the phone around and her face filled the screen. “Bob’s a sweetheart. He followed the truck down to make sure everything went like clockwork.”
“Which it didn’t, of course,” Bob said, although he sounded cheerful about it.
“Bob’s smiling.” Naomi turned the phone in his direction. “He’s been good for morale.”
“Your sister is, too, Isabel,” Bob said. “Great business you have here. Since I attempted this and gave it up as too much work, I can imagine the hours you’ve spent creating such a successful venue.”
“Thank you. I have put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Naomi, too. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
“Thanks, Izzy. That’s sweet. Hey, Fred’s here!” She moved the phone again. “Say hi to Izzy, Fred.”
“Hey, Isabel.” His craggy face appeared on the screen. “Don’t worry about a thing. Because the roaster’s been in service, it won’t need to be seasoned. You can put it straight into production, like you did with the previous one. Saves time.”
Isabel blinked. “That’s true. I can’t believe I didn’t remember that.”
“I did.” Naomi sounded a little smug, which was her right.
“Naomi, you’re a genius. Now if Fred can get things rolling…”
Naomi’s face appeared in the screen. “He’s on it. But Lucy’s due any minute, right?”
“She just tapped on the door. She’s a little early. I’ll ask her if we can wait until the roaster’s operational before
