Part 69 (1/2)

”Get them up and cooking,” Penny called. ”These are our priority, people.” She turned to say something to Edouard when she noticed Cal hanging up.

”What happened?” she asked as she took in his worried expression. ”Is Lindsey okay?”

”What? Oh, she's fine. That was Dani. She needs me to come by after work. Something happened. She sounded upset, but she won't say what.”

One of the servers came into the kitchen. ”Um, Penny? Your family is leaving. They'd like a chance to say goodbye.”

Cal touched her arm. ”There's nothing we can do now. I'll come get you before I leave, then we'll go over to your place together.”

”No. I think this is a family matter. I'll stay here until you've talked to her. Then you can call and give me the all clear.”

”It's not that big a deal.”

”You don't know that, Cal. If Dani had wanted me there, she would have asked. I'll stay here.”

While part of her brain processed details like the number of customers and orders yet to be filled, the rest of her mind turned over the problem of Cal.

Had she left their marriage too soon? If she'd stayed, could they have learned their lessons-him to give with his whole heart, her to believe he wanted her to succeed? They'd come a long way. If only he would love her-really love her.

Was it possible, or was she just wis.h.i.+ng for the moon?

CAL PARKED behind Reid's car and an unfamiliar truck he figured had to belong to Walker. Which meant Dani had called a family meeting. Maybe Penny had been right-this looked serious.

As he climbed out of the car, he wondered if Hugh had dropped another bombsh.e.l.l. If so, wheelchair or not, Cal was going to have to beat the c.r.a.p out of the man.

He walked up to Penny's front door, which opened before he could knock.

Reid greeted him. ”Good. She wouldn't say anything until we were all together. Why do I know Hugh just won b.a.s.t.a.r.d of the year?”

”That's what I'm thinking, too. If so, we'll take care of it.”

”You got that right.”

They walked into the living room, where Walker sat on the sofa. Dani stood by the small fireplace. She had a drink in her hand and a look of stark pain in her eyes.

He crossed to her. ”Dani, what's wrong?”

When he went to hold her, she sidestepped his embrace.

”Get yourself something to drink and have a seat,” she said.

”Dani?”

She shook her head. ”You can't fix this with a hug, Cal. Just get a drink. Please.”

Reid walked into the living room and handed him a beer. The two of them joined Walker on the sofa.

Dani faced them. ”I went to see Gloria. I wanted to talk to her about my career with the company. I told her I was done with Burger Heaven and either she moved me up the food chain or I was quitting.”