Page 101 of Moonstruck Kiss

I wrap my arms around my father. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me.”

He pats my back. “So are you ready to tell us the story?”

“Brax!” Mum interrupts, walking back to us. “Cutie wants to talk to you.”

I frown. “Did you have to tell her?” I whisper.

“I had to ask for her help getting the Barkers together ASAP. Cutie’s good at these things. Besides,” she whispers, “she’s one of the few who’s more than fifty percent behind you.”

I take the phone from her. “Hello, Cutie.”

“Hello, Brax. How are you?”

“Well, thank you. And you?”

“Fantastic. And I’m more than happy to get the Barkers in a room with your family. I want to ask you some questions first.”

“Fire away.”

“Is it to explain the situation about your being a mole and your meeting with Chelsea Banton?”

“Yes.”

“Will they be happy with what you’re going to say?”

“I hope so.”

“If I were to listen in, would I be happy with your explanation? Would it make me like you again?”

I chuckle. “I think so.”

“Excellent. You trust me?”

“Cutie, if there’s anyone I trust most in this town apart from my family and Joey, it’s you.”

“Great! Just sit tight then. I’ll let you know when and where.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

She snickers. “We’ll see.” Then she hangs up.

What on earth did she mean by that?

“What did she say?” Mum asks.

“To sit tight while she does her thing.” I’m afraid Cutie might have other plans than merely getting the Barkers to sit down with us.

I’m with Ollie at the lodge’s garden, walking back and forth, back and forth, while I wait for Cutie’s call. Ollie’s not fussed. He’s taking photos of pretty much anything and everything with my phone. I don’t know if it’s the artist in him getting inspiration from nature.

I check my watch. I guess it won’t hurt if my sit-down with the Barkers and my family doesn’t happen until later. My secret weapon is coming soon. I just wanted to warn them before the inevitable hoopla happens, but it might be better to simply drop the bomb, so to speak.

“Brax! Ollie!” Dad calls out from the back verandah. “Cutie’s here.”

I inhale sharply. I was only expecting a phone call. Now I’m worried.

“Come on, Ollie,” I say, reaching for his hand.

As we walk inside the lodge, Cutie’s there with Mum and Liss—and Maggie’s daughter, Mia, and her two kids.

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