Page 15 of Hargrave Health Kick
“Thank you,” the chef replied. “You’re very kind.”
Veronica only nodded, still too cautious to relax.
“What’s all this?” Marley said, moving to help with the wine and platter.
“We brought a dessert option,” Celeste explained. “Fruity s’mores. All the sweetness with better nutrition,” she added. “And they work as well inside, if you choose.”
Veronica let Celeste work the room and admired Natalie’s bubbly nature as she hugged everyone, giving Holly a murmured thank you for sending her home in time to get ready.
The flowers landed on the kitchen island, where appetizers were set out. Wine was poured, and Holly magically got everyone chatting.
Susannah, seated at the end of the counter, caught Veronica’s gaze. It seemed the time for direct conversation had arrived. She tried to fake some enthusiasm as she approached the chef who had said such scathing things about the Hideaway.
“Veronica, I apologize for my rant. I’m so sorry for being such a bitch. Marley tried to stop me, but I…” She pressed her palms to the countertop. “Well, I don’t have an excuse. I looked back and didn’t realize half of what came out of my mouth. I’ve apologized to Celeste. And we tracked down Natalie, though I’m not sure she heard me while she worked.”
Veronica felt her protective walls give a little. “She did. Even when she looks totally absorbed, she hears the world going by.” It was easier to focus on Natalie than her own old hurts.
“Can you forgive me?” Susannah pressed.
“Of course.” More than simply being polite, she meant the words. “We all have bad days.” Still, she secretly hoped to not be on the receiving end of another tantrum anytime soon.
“And I shared one of my worst for all the internet to chew on.”
“Please don’t worry about it,” Veronica said, surprising herself. “I appreciate the apology. No harm was done.”
“I’m still grateful you all agreed to do this,” Susannah said. “Now. About the food you made for me.”
Veronica tried to wave that off too. “Recipes aren’t subject to copyright.”
“No, but a collection is. And the treats you sent over were delicious. Which is saying a lot these days. I don’t have the energy to take on a full collaboration, but Marley is working out the legalities so we can publish something together. Marley is willing to work out the filming and Holly has agreed to transcribe up to five video calls between us for a special recipe collection for caregivers.”
Overwhelmed, Veronica didn’t know what to say. Gratitude filled her and spilled out. “Thank you.”
“I’ve been in denial about my terminal condition for a long time. This will probably be better for me—body and soul—than it is for you. But I’m compelled to do what I can to help you get your special message into the world.”
Marley eventually urged them all toward the dining room for dinner—including a course of the comforting soup the sisters had introduced to Susannah. As they ate, Holly guided them through a relaxed interview that felt far more like old friends trading stories. It reminded her that she and Brayden had yet to do the same. She would’ve sent him a text if she’d thought Nat wouldn’t notice.
Veronica enjoyed herself despite her initial concerns. She didn’t even mind that the recorder was on, or that Holly occasionally popped up to grab photos of the food and the women. When she declared the interview officially over, Celeste asked if they wanted fruity s’mores outside or in.
“A fire does sound nice.” Susannah tugged the shawl around her shoulders. “As long as someone reveals the secrets of these fruity s’mores.”
Celeste, in her protective way, sent Veronica outside to get the fire going. She appreciated the reprieve. Being on through the interview during dinner had been a test of endurance. She would rather run a spur of the moment 10k than go through all of that again. Although she often convinced people she was an extrovert, she enjoyed her alone-time.
“Need a hand?”
She jumped as Brayden stepped out of the shadows. “You scared me.”
“Sorry.” He raised his hands in surrender. “You holding up okay? Celeste told me about the interview.”
“Are you on duty again tonight?”
He nodded, taking the wood from her hands and stacking it in the fire pit.
She peered up at the darkening sky. Stars were winking into view, more with each minute. Suddenly, she was awash in fond memories. “You’re doing that just like my dad used to. Is it coded into male DNA?”
He huffed. “Would you do it differently?”
“Probably not.” She shrugged. When the kindling was set, she struck a match. They watched together as the fire caught and the flames grew stronger. After the recent arson that burned down the outdoor kitchen, she had mixed feelings about the fire pit. But s’mores were always fun.
