Page 7 of Hargrave Health Kick
It was a ridiculous claim, considering they were all so close in age. “I might just join her tonight,” Veronica mumbled.
Celeste’s dark gold eyebrows arched. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Veronica waved her off. “I’m just being whiny. It’s my week on purpose. I just didn’t expect this particular guest to be so hard to please.”
“She’s not what you hoped for, huh?”
“No.” Veronica almost unloaded every uncharitable thought she had about their current guest. “I didn’t want to intrude on her time, obviously. That’s not what we do. But I did expect a five-minute professional chat.” At the minimum. There were bigger disappointments in life. She really needed to get over it.
“That’s a fair expectation,” Celeste said. “In fact, that’s the norm with our guests.”
“Okay.” The pressure on her shoulders lifted. “Thank you for the reality check. I was starting to think I was just coming out of left field on this.”
“Not at all,” Celeste assured her. “Tonight, we’re going to enjoy sister night. It officially starts by six, right?” She glanced at the cuckoo clock on the wall, one of Veronica’s prized treasures from their mom.
Veronica rolled her eyes. “I think it officially starts as soon as Natalie shows up with dinner. With any luck, she won’t be so lost in her project that she forgets to feed us.”
Celeste agreed. “I might’ve done something to ensure we’re fed.”
“Do tell.” Veronica was all ears.
“I bumped into Lola while I was shopping.”
“Lola?” Veronica had to think. “Oh!” She snapped her fingers. “The owner of the Book Well.”
“Yes,” Celeste confirmed. “She’s such a delight. We chatted for a couple of minutes in front of the tomatoes at the farmer’s market and she said she would send her assistant out to poke at Natalie if she was still there at five.”
Natalie was an artist who specialized in mixed media sculpture. Brookwell Island had commissioned three pieces for special placement around town. The art gallery, next door to the bookstore, had given her workspace in the service alley.
“You’re brilliant.” Veronica raised her hand for a high five. “My hungry stomach thanks you.”
“That’s why I’m the big sister.” Celeste laughed. “How are things going with your new videos?”
Veronica sighed. “So far, I’m only working with trusted content and new storyboards. There’s always more to do.”
“Always.”
“I need to be ready to forget about engagement numbers when I try the recipe posts.” She gathered her long blond hair up into a messy bun on top of her head. “I did pick up a new home health patient and booked the first assessment.”
“Nicely done.”
“Yeah.”
“How come you don’t sound satisfied with much of anything lately?”
“I don’t know.” Veronica opened the fridge, scanning the shelves until she spotted some cans of Diet Coke tucked in the back. It was her guilty pleasure—all the chemicals, none of the health benefits. Sister night was synonymous with cheat day in her head. “Want one?”
“If my health-nut sister says it’s okay,” Celeste teased.
“I don’t want to go down alone.” Veronica handed her sister the cans of soda and then turned back to pull out a block of cream cheese. “I’ve got hot pepper jelly stashed behind crackers in the pantry.”
“Since when?” Celeste gasped. “Who are you and what have you done with my sister?”
“We’re just getting a head start, that’s all.”
“This chef has done a number on you.”
Veronica shrugged. “It’s probably more accurate to say I’ve done it to myself.”
