The Bluebird Bet. Cheryl Harper

week or so, and we’ll set something up.” Nick walked to his truck and didn’t look back. He had his phone to his ear as he reversed down the gravel drive, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust.

      They walked slowly up to the porch and inside the disputed territory. “We could have at least had the cabinets put in, even if it was only temporarily. Surely we can agree on that,” Elaine said.

      “I can live with the kitchen as is for a few weeks. Can you?” Dean watched her roll her eyes.

      “Of course, but we didn’t have to. That’s all I’m saying.” She straightened her glasses. “Not making easy decisions because we’re on opposite sides of the fence is just silly.”

      She was right. He hated that.

      Letting her be the reasonable one was a dangerous precedent. Before he could figure out the best recovery, his father held a hand up. “And on that note, I have an announcement. I’m leaving. Today. Now. You kids can work all this out, so wow me with great ideas when I get back.” Then he ran up the stairs, two at a time.

      Dean thought about demanding to see his medical records. His dad didn’t act like a man with a heart condition.

      He acted like a man making a quick getaway.

      * * *

      WHEN DEAN WENT in the opposite direction, right out the door and down to the dock, Elaine considered following Robert and explaining why he had to stay a bit longer. He was her only hope.

      If he left...

      Well, she would be on her own. With Dean at close range. The idea of arguing with him didn’t bother her, but if she got to know him...beating him would be so much harder. Robert was a buffer.

      But she’d been fighting her own battles for years. She could handle this.

      Elaine paced in the small foyer and lectured herself on getting too worked up over the situation. That was not what the Bluebird was about.

      Her phone rang, and she realized she already had plenty of things to worry about. This was supposed to be her new hobby, something she enjoyed.

      She stepped out onto the porch, slipped into the rocker that was going to be her chair and answered. “Morning, Mom. How are you?” They made their usual small talk and finally her mother said, “I’ve been thinking about your inn. Maybe I should visit. It’s been a long time. I want to see what you’re excited about.”

      Elaine blinked and then took a look around the porch and yard, neither of which were anything to get excited about. “Wow, I didn’t expect that. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get the place, but you could definitely come for a visit. See what you think. Just give me a couple of weeks.”

      “Great. I signed up for a cooking camp at the community college. It starts next week. I’ll come up after and impress you with all I’ve learned. How’s that? I’m actually taking your advice.”

      “That is a surprise. I’m a doctor. I’m used to people ignoring my advice.”

      Elaine checked her phone display to make sure her mother’s name was showing. Her clear, reasonable tone of voice was nice this early in recovery. “I’d love to see you, Mom.”