Page 7 of Call It Unexpected

“I love you too, Mama.”

Bristol burst into my room as I disconnected. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she gasped, her face flushed. “Did you pick something?” She collapsed into a chair in the corner of the room and held a cold soda can to her forehead.

“I think—”

“Why’d you lie to your mom?” Cam interrupted, causing Bristol’s eyes to snap to me.

My cheeks grew warm as her lips pressed into a hard line. “I haven’t told her about Zach.”

Bristol frowned. “Why not?”

I rolled my shoulders, trying to think how to explain. “You know how Mama is. She’s always warning me off from guys who she thinks might break my heart, and she believes that includes anyone who isn’t from home. She wants me to meet and marry a nice, local boy, get married, have kids, and take over The Dogtrot.”

Cameron nodded. “She’s definitely pretty traditional. I always wondered why.”

“I don’t know the whole story, but some guy in Mama’s past, before Daddy, came from a wealthy family. His familyvacationed in Sterling Mill every summer. He was older and already in college when they had what I guess we’d call a summer fling. He swore he would run away with her the second she graduated from high school. Instead, he just ran away. Sometime later, she heard he was married to some socialite and living in Nashville. I think he broke her heart. If I told her I was dating someone, she’d give me the third degree about dating someone from out of town, someone ‘fancy and rich.’ Why bother her with that until I know it’s more serious between Zach and me?”

Both girls just stared at me.

Finally, Bristol broke the silence. “Um, when would that be? When he proposes?”

“No.” I scowled at her. She crossed her arms and arched her eyebrow in return. “I mean, I really like him, but we’re from very different backgrounds, and he’s going to go on to law school and then to who knows where. Somewhere big. Somewhere exciting. It won’t be to Sterling Mill, that’s for sure. And we all know that’s where I’ll be.”

Their eyebrows rose higher and higher as I spoke. Cam’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. I’m not sure I ever saw her at a loss for words.

Bristol, however, had no such problem. “That’s the dumbassiest thing I’ve ever heard,” she scoffed.

I couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Dumbassiest? Is that a word?”

“It’s the perfect word,” Cam injected. “And don’t change the subject. Why on Earth would you think you and Zach don’t have a future? From everything I’ve heard, he’s gone for you. He asked you to finish school in California. He even adopted a damn dog for you and snuck it into his frat house.”

I smiled at the memory of finding Milo in his room the first time he took me there. I’m not sure who was more excited to see each other, the frisky pup or me.

“Still, I’m not sure it can last.”

“Well, you’re not your mom, so quit trying to predict the future,” Bristol said sternly, then softened her tone. “You know you’re not locked into staying forever in Sterling Mill, right? You can keep it in the family and hire people to manage it for you. And it’s not like there isn’t a need for lawyers there.”

I glanced sideways at her. “We all know it’s not that simple. Family has always run it. And I’m not you. I like it there.”

Bristol shrank into the back of her chair as if I’d slapped her.

“Oh, god. I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t mean it that way.” I rushed over and hugged her. “You’ve always known what you wanted and that it wasn’t going to be found in Sterling Mill. But it’s all I know other than my short time here. And I admit Zach’s offer is tempting. The idea of stretching my wings and going other places sounds incredible, but even if I leave for a while, I know I could never stay away forever. It’s my family’s legacy, and as much of a pain in the ass as it sometimes is, I love it. It’s my fate if you will. Besides, Zach’s dad wants Zach to work for him.”

“Well, if you ask me, you’re thinking too far down the road. You might miss out on something good now that will make a stronger future. And in the meantime, enjoy each other’s company. You know the saying, if it’s meant to be, it will work out. Look how you thought you’d never get into culinary school, yet here you are. It might not have happened right out of high school, but it doesn’t change the success story. It strengthens it because you didn’t have it handed to you.”

“God, I love you guys,” I said, fighting back the sniffles. “Now. Help me get dressed. I’ve got a hot date!”

Chapter 4

Zach

“This time,I expect you to be there, Zachary.”

I rolled my eyes as I knotted the blue tie against my white shirt. “I can’t come at your every beck and call. Maybe you should try asking me about my schedule before arranging dinners and demanding I be there. I have my own obligations, including going to class and getting my work done.”

“I’m only trying to help you.”

No, you’re trying to bend me to your will. “Sure, Dad. I know.”

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