Page 8 of Hargrave Flame Out
“Well, I stopped by Roni’s place on the way here,” Natalie said. “To drop off chocolates for tonight. Straight from that French shop on Society Street.”
That was Celeste’s favorite chocolatier. “What’s tonight?” If they’d made plans, she didn’t remember them.
“Sister night!” Natalie bounced in her seat. “We haven’t had one in a while.”
Veronica grinned. “You get to pick the movie.”
“Why me?” Celeste wondered. They usually had a list and narrowed it down with a few fast rounds of voting.
“Because that way you can pick a movie you’re willing to sleep through,” Veronica said. “If we choose, you might fight and try to stay awake.”
Celeste couldn’t fault the logic. “I don’t want y’all?—”
“We don’t,” Natalie interrupted. “Whatever you’re worrying about, stop it. We know this is an injury and not an illness. The only person having flashbacks about caregiving is you.”
Celeste wasn’t so sure if she believed it, but she didn’t want to argue. “Okay. I just?—”
Veronica cut her off this time. “She’s in the last hour of her pain meds.”
“Ohh,” Natalie said as if it was some big revelation.
“I’m not sure I like the two of you in this mode,” Celeste admitted.
“Come on, how often is it two against one?” Veronica asked Natalie.
“Always,” Natalie finished with her big, bright laugh.
“Here comes lunch.” Veronica lifted her chin toward Reed before Celeste could complain.
“Are you short-staffed today?"
“Of course not.” Reed beamed at them. “Just wanted to come out and check on the three of you myself.” He rested a hand on Celeste’s shoulder. “How’s the patient?”
“A little wobbly,” Veronica said.
“That’s mostly emotional,” Celeste added.
Reed gave her a gentle squeeze. “No one with an independent spirit like yours enjoys being sidelined. But this will pass quickly enough. Y’all just keep that in mind. And you’ve got plenty of willing help too.”
“Yes, sir.”
Reed was no stranger to caregiving. His wife had died of a rough and lengthy battle with cancer when their daughter, Kirsten, was still in elementary school. The Pelican had been their dream, built with the intention of passing it down to future generations.
“The chowder smells amazing.” Celeste pressed a hand to her growly stomach. “I’m so glad you mentioned it.”
“And the barbecue was fantastic last night,” Veronica added. “We have plenty of leftovers for today.”
“Glad to hear it,” Reed said. “If you find yourself in the mood for something else, just call.”
Natalie popped up out of her chair and gave him a hug. “You’re a lifesaver Reed. We all love you so much.”
Of the three of them, she was the most comfortable with friendly, affectionate outbursts. Two against one in yet another format. Not that Celeste needed to point out the obvious. She was grateful for her sisters, even when they teased her and gave her crap about being controlling. She loved all the ways the three of them were unique as individuals, and she liked the way they were starting to gel as a team in their business venture.
“Y’all enjoy lunch.” Reed grinned as he returned to his usual spot behind the bar.
The sisters dug into the chowder with quiet enthusiasm. Someday, Celeste would get her hands on this recipe. Somehow the hot, creamy soup was hearty without being heavy. And paired with the spinach salad, she felt full in a hurry.
Veronica, ever watchful, handed her a pain pill. “Take this.”
