CHAPTERFORTY-ONE
Shane
I’m blown away about Austin. I mean, I learned some things about myself lately. I wish he felt like he could have talked to me about it.
“Cut the salami,” I tell Silas. The staff I have is on another banquet that I got last minute. And while Austin usually takes care of those, he’s here. So, Tess—one of my best employees—is in charge.
Snow hands Axel a jar of olives. “Will you open this?”
Right now, I have the best working for me: family.
“Did someone get the bread?” I ask.
“No,” Afton answers as he opens the crackers and starts setting them on the different boards we have out.
Austin slices the bread as Axel cuts roast beef slices.
Snow puts green olives in cups and sets them on the boards, as Silas puts black olives in a bowl.
I scatter almonds around the boards.
“Will someone cut some apple slices?”
“On it,” Memphis yells.
“We’re right here, dude.” Silas snickers.
“Sorry, just excited.” Memphis smiles.
“He doesn’t get to help at home.” Axel smirks.
“True.” Ever laughs, leaning back in her seat and making herself comfortable.
“Hey now.” He flips everyone off.
“I think we need to make some finger sandwiches,” I suggest.
“I’ll grab the other loaves of bread,” Austin says.
“I’ll need cucumbers.” I nod at Silas.
“Gotcha.”
“Also, there are little dip cups above the oven. Put ‘Honey,’ and ‘Butter,’ and ‘To-go’ on the boards. We will add the cheese right before we take it out.”
“Snow, cream cheese on the bread. Axel, stop snacking and cut some cucumber slices.”
“Sorry, it looked good.” Axel takes the cucumbers from Silas.
“Afton, the spices are in the cabinet above the sink,” I tell him. “I need the dill.”
“Yes, sir.” He smirks, giving me a two-finger salute.
Soon, the sandwiches are done, cheese is on the boards, and we’re taking them out to the table set up outside by the large tree. Memphis and Linc are restringing the lights around it.
“Nervous?” I ask Austin.
“Kind of.” He wipes his hands on his pants, like he’s sweating. He has nothing to worry about—he’ll do fine, and we’re behind him all the way.