Page 3 of The One Before

Coop leads me through several rooms until we reach two French doors. He pushes them open, and we walk onto the back deck. There’s a dining table there, already covered with a white linen cloth and multi-colored chrysanthemums. Josephine is standing there tampering with the centerpiece. She turns.

“Finally, you’re home,” she says, holding out her arms to hug Coop. He bends down and embraces her.

“It’s good to be back.” Coop releases his mother and straightens his posture, placing his hand on my lower back. “You remember Madison.”

“Of course.” She gives me a hug. “Lovely to see you again.”

“I love your outfit,” I say to Josephine, sensing my jersey dress is informal brunch attire. She’s wearing a bright red skirt and blazer, a pearl broach fastened to her left lapel. Unlike Coop’s golden mane, she has dark curls that stop at her chin. There are soft lines around the corners of her mouth and eyes.

“I always dress up on Sundays,” she says, sitting at the head of the table. “You and Cooper should consider joining us at church.”

“Don’t start,” Coop says, taking a seat.

“Have I said something wrong?” Josephine leans back with both hands in the air. She looks at me. “Are you religious, Madison?”

“Yes.” I skid my chair closer to the table as I sit. “I’ve not been a member at a specific church in a while, though.”

“Sounds like that should change,” she says, unfurling a napkin. “First Presbyterian has a wonderful congregation. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”

“We can find our own church,” Coop says, failing to mask his annoyance.

“Sure you can. I just think it would be nice to have someone join me besides Roman. It’s not like Regina will go.”

The back door opens, and a slender young woman walks out carrying a tray. She’s wearing a cream turtleneck, and her straight hair almost reaches her waist. Her mane is darker than her mother’s, though. It’s intentionally dyed black, which only heightens the alabaster hue of her skin.

“My little heathen joins us at last,” Josephine says, pouring lemonade into her glass.

“I brought food at least.” Regina places the tray in the middle of the table. “This one is a chicken pot pie, and I’ve got a vegetable pie in the kitchen.”

“A heathen and a tree-hugger.” Josephine wears a sardonic smile.

Regina pretends to curtsy, then faces me. She looks me up and down, and I can’t help wondering if she’s comparing me to previous girlfriends she’s met before. “You must be Madison.”

I smile, swallowing down my nervousness. Something about the look on Regina’s face makes me feel like a consolation prize. “It’s great to finally meet you. Coop’s told me all about his family.”

“I’m sure.” Regina rolls her eyes, then shoots a look in Coop’s direction. “Where’s Roman? Won’t he be joining?”

“He had some errands to run,” Josephine says, inspecting the pie in front of her. “Regina is our personal chef of sorts. She owns Nectar, the best restaurant in town.”

Coop stands and cuts three slices. He serves Josephine, me, then himself. Regina walks into the kitchen, returning with a plate of vegetable pie. For several minutes, there’s silence as everyone eats.

“This is the best part about moving back,” Coop says, covering his mouth. “You’re the greatest cook in the south, Regina.”

“It’s really impressive,” I say, flattening the napkin in my lap. “I can’t wait to visit Nectar.”

Josephine finishes chewing and looks at Coop. “You think that’s the best part about returning to Whisper Falls?”

“One of the best,” he says, his tone dulled.

Regina’s eyes narrow, bouncing between Coop and Josephine. “Say, this is brunch, right? I could whip up some Bloody Marys and mimosas.”

“That’s distasteful this early on a Sunday,” Josephine replies, shooing at her with a fork.

Regina tilts her head to the side and guzzles her lemonade. “Maybe if Roman were here.”

Beside me, Coop’s face reddens. I know he wants me to be comfortable around his family, an impossible feat when they can’t be at ease around each other. Regina’s suggestion has merit; I sense Douglas family functions run smoother when alcohol is involved.

“What are your plans at theGazette, Cooper?” Josephine asks.

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