Page 14 of Crazy in Love

He continued to paw at the cardboard. “Please don’t tell me you smell a rat.” Just in case, Faith walked over and cautiously peeked inside. Right on top was one titledBusiness for Dum-Dums.

“Huh.” She picked up the book and flipped through the pages. The cat stopped scratching and sat patiently, staring at Faith. The information looked like it could be very helpful in this new venture. “Did you know this was in there?”

In response, the cat hopped onto her mother’s chair, circled twice, and promptly fell asleep. Faith’s eyes filled with memories. How many times had she come here to find her mom curled up, reading and drinking her favorite tea?

All of a sudden, a warm feeling rushed over her. Holy crap! Was this orange and white furball her mother reincarnated? And was she trying to help her with the store? That would be crazy.Wouldn’t it be crazy? Of course it would be. Still, Faith would have to run this by Amara.

Intrigued by the book, she returned to the desk and began to read. Finding it very informative, Faith got a highlighter and started making notes on a legal pad. Idea after idea popped into her head. Ways she could possibly make the store profitable. Time flew, and she didn’t realize it was after seven o’clock until her phone vibrated.

“Faith,” her dad said. “Are you making dinner tonight?”

He was hungry. That was a good sign. “Yeah, Dad. Sorry, I lost track of time. I’ll stop by the grocery store and be home soon. Is Hope there?”

“Haven’t heard from her today.”

That was troubling. “Okay. I’ll see if I can’t find her.”

She hung up and texted Hope, asking where she was and if she’d be home for dinner. At sixteen, Hope didn’t require constant monitoring, but that didn’t stop Faith from worrying. She was tough on the outside, but Faith got the impression there were emotions she wasn’t dealing with. She wondered if a grief counselor might help but would give Hope a little more time before broaching that subject.

“Do you want to come to my dad’s with me?” Faith asked the cat, who barely looked up. “Also, where are you pooping?”

“Meow.”

“Not helpful,” Faith said. “If we don’t find your parents by tomorrow night, we’ll have to discuss your living arrangements.”

Faith swung by the Kitchen Kart for supplies and hustled home to make dinner.

“Chicken breast and broccoli again?” her dad complained.

“It’s good for you,” Faith countered.

“Not what your mom would cook,” he mumbled, pushing the broccoli to and fro on the plate.

“It doesn’t matter how much you move it around, Dad. It’s not going to magically turn into french fries.”

“Harrumph.”

“I know you’re not a fan. But it’s heart healthy. And until you’re ready to cook for yourself, you get what you get.”

Maybe this would light a fire under his feet to gain some independence. He was grieving, but that didn’t mean he could let all his responsibilities fall by the wayside.

Midway through dinner, Hope barged in.

“Hey,” Faith said. “Where were you? Why didn’t you answer my text?”

“None of your business,” Hope snipped.

Faith’s mouth fell open in shock. Hope was always brash and outspoken, but not generally rude.

“Well, it’s Dad’s business. Did you let him know?”

“He doesn’t give a damn what I do.”

Faith turned to her father, hoping he’d speak up, but his eyes were glued to the chicken. She inhaled deeply, searching for patience. “I made dinner. Are you hungry?”

“I already ate,” Hope said before storming out.

“You gonna let her get away with that?” Faith asked.

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