Page 3 of Shine: Sins of the Father
“Fiona, we invited like a dozen people.”
“I know, and it’s going to be a blast. A big midsummer blowout. Just what I need to unwind and shake off all this stress.”
She glances at me as we pull out onto the road. “Have you told them your other news yet?”
When I only stare out at the passing scenery, she knows my answer.
“Fiona, you said you’d tell them. Time is running out for them to get the deposit back on your fall tuition. Unless you’ve changed your mind about dropping out of school…”
“I haven’t, and Iwilltell them, okay? After this weekend. I just need some time to relax first. I can’t deal with that now.My mother will be so disappointed, and my father will probably blow a gasket.”
“You need to just get it over with. If you don’t want to finish school, then there’s no reason to keep going. It costs a lot of money for a degree you don’t even want. You already changed majors from accounting to nursing, and you weren’t happy with either one. You need to do what you love. Life is too short not to go after the life you really want.”
“I know, but it’s scary, you know?”
“I get that, honey, but you already found what you really want to do. That’s more than a lot of people ever figure out.”
“You really think I can do it? You don’t think it’s a dumb idea?”
“A cake shop? No way. Your baked goods are amazing. Seriously. That time we took those cupcakes up to the farmer’s market? You sold out in like two hours. Everybody was raving about them, and the kiddos loved the cake pops you made.” She looks at me. “It will take a lot of work, and you’ll basically have to do it all yourself because you probably can’t afford to hire anyone to start off. But you did take those business classes, so that should help you. It wasn’t a total waste, right? You learned basic accounting. That’s something that will come in handy.”
“I’ve got my website up and running, and I’ve already gotten a dozen orders for the fall.”
“Really? That’s awesome.”
I bite my lip. “With working part-time at Kyle’s restaurant this year, I’ve been squirreling away money for supplies and ingredients and rent for a couple of months, and I’ve applied for a business license. I suppose if I can’t get into a storefront, I can always fill the orders out of my mother’s kitchen.”
“Absolutely. And once you tell her, I’m sure she’ll help you in any way she can. I believe in you. You’re a strong person, Fiona. Nothing scares you. So why are you hesitating?”
“I hate to disappoint my parents. Mom, especially. She really wanted me to go to school.”
“It’s not going to be any easier the longer you put it off.”
“I know. I’ll tell them, I promise. Okay?”
“Fine.” She turns up the music. “I won’t bring it up again. This weekend is all party mode.”
“Thanks.” I watch the businesses flash past. “I hope the cabin isn’t in too bad of shape. I can’t remember the last time I was up there. I think it may have been freshman year of high school.”
“It’s not going to be gross, is it?” She makes a face.
“No, but it may be dusty and stuff. That’s why I wanted to go up a day early and clean the place up. You know, air it out and wash the sheets and stock the fridge.”
“There aren’t mice in this place, are there?” She shudders.
“I’ve never seen any. I mean, it’s kind of rustic, but it’s a nice place. And the view of Lake Mary is amazing. I always loved going up there as a kid.”
Janey grabs some lip balm from the console and puts it on.
The wind is whipping around us, and I grin at her. “I kind of feel like Thelma and Louise.”
She laughs, then arches a brow. “I hope not. That movie didn’t end too well.”
“Well, not the driving off a cliff part, but the picking up Brad Pitt part was pretty awesome.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for cute guys in cowboy hats with their thumb out,” she replies and climbs the ramp onto the freeway.
“I could go for a good one-night stand. I haven’t had sex in forever.”
