Page 40 of Must Love Bees
Astrid adjusted the basket as she stepped onto the porch to knock on the front door.
“I’ll get it.” Halley’s voice rang out seconds before she opened the door. “Hi, Astrid.” She yawned. “Hi, Oatmeal. Hi, Pudding.” The sight of the dogs instantly perked her up.
“Good morning.” Astrid held out the basket. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“You didn’t.” Halley waved her in. “It’s hot, though. Our air-conditioning went out last night.”
As soon as the door shut, the house was an oven. Within seconds, sweat was beading along her temple and back. “Aren’t you melting?”
“We camped out in the dining room.” Halley led the way. “There’s a window unit in there. And a big fan.” She opened the door, cool air wafting out to greet them.
Astrid hurried to pull the door shut behind them.
“Astrid.” Nova was up, leaving her nest of blankets and pillows, and running—full steam—into her side. “Hi. I’m in my pj’s. Do you like them? Stars. All over. It’s hot. We all had a slumber party here but Charlie didn’t sleep and he’s got a big meeting and the air commissioning men aren’t coming.”
“Air-conditioning,” Halley corrected.
“Air co-commissioning.” Nova nodded.
Astrid gave Nova a wink. Sleepless nights and no air-conditioning were bad enough. But trying to be on for a big business meeting while dealing with all the rest was...a lot. Poor Charlie.
Charlie had his phone pressed to his ear. “I understand.” He wasn’t happy. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, looking defeated. His hair was a mess, his white undershirt was wrinkled and snug across his broad back, and his cotton shorts showcased well-muscled thighs and calves. “Fine. Thank you.”
“I’d say good morning but it sounds like we’re off to a rocky start.” She slid the basket of goodies onto the end of the large dining table currently serving as Charlie’s desk. “I brought breakfast.”
Charlie ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t suppose there’s some sort of stone pig or metal cow or elephant statue Rebecca used to make the air conditioner work?”
Astrid had to smile. “Sadly, no.”
His hooded eyes met hers. “I was afraid of that.” His smile was lopsided and reluctant, but it was something—even if it did last less than five seconds.
Charlie was capable of smiling. Well, it was a sort-of smile.
Whatever it was, it was enough to make Astrid’s heart clip along at triple time. “Have you tried giving it a good whack?” She gripped the back of the chair, pretending her heart wasn’t doing odd gymnastic maneuvers in her chest. His eyes fell from hers, so it was easier for her to speak. “Rebecca was a fan of trying to beat whatever was acting up into submission. Half the time it worked.”
“And the other half?” He stood and peered into the basket.
She didn’t linger over how big and tall and rumpled and warm he was, this close to her. “She’d have to repair or replace it.” She opened the basket more fully. “You were gifted a dozen cookies. Not exactly breakfast—”
Charlie pulled out one of the cookies. “This morning there are no rules. Cookies for breakfast.” He took a big bite and sighed.
“Really?” Nova asked. “Really, really?”
“Really, really.” He pointed at the basket. “You pick, Nova.”
Even Halley looked surprised.
Astrid noted the open phone book on the table. “Who have you called?”
Charlie ran his finger along the ancient phone book. “Everyone but the Walsh Brothers AC. That’s assuming they’re still in business—this book is a few years old.”
“The Walsh Brothers?” Astrid winced. “They’re known for not meeting deadlines.”
“Considering everyone’s telling me at least a week, I’m calling.” He shook his head. “We can’t live like this for a week.”
“No, no, of course not.” She handed Halley a napkin. “Is today’s meeting very important?”
He ran his fingers through his hair—meaning he was stressed. Considering how often he did it, it was surprising he didn’t have a bald spot. “It is.”
