We have a list of a hundred different recipes we rotate in and out, and we occasionally throw in new ones to see how people like them. The ranch hands are opinionated but no one has ever hated anything we’ve served. If they have, they’ve kept their damn mouths shut and rightfully so.
We run food out to the burners, and when I look up at the clock, I’m shocked we only have five minutes until breakfast begins. It never fails to amaze me how fast time passes when I’m here.
Dad enters and gives me a grin. “Smells good.”
“Thanks, Mr. Bishop,” Sandra says. I look over my shoulder and give him a big smile.
After everything is set and ready for the breakfast rush, we immediately start making the second and third rounds of food because it’ll go fast. Soon, the dining room is full of chatter. Sandra checks every ten minutes and makes a list of what we need to replenish.
“More sausage and pancakes,” she says at the door. “And coffee, but I’ll get that going.”
Each morning, the three of us do this dance. I usually cook on the flat top, and Jane is at the stove while Sandra makes her rounds to top off the food and drinks.
When I turn my head, my sister and cousin Rowan barge through the kitchen door, chatting about God knows what. Kenzie carries a plate holding an omelet, and she’s stuffing her face.
“What are y’all doin’ here?” I ask.
“Coming to visit you, of course!” Kenzie exclaims, then shrugs. “And eat.”
“Thought we’d keep you company for a little while,” Rowan says with a grin, propping herself up on the counter and swinging her legs back and forth. Though I’m working and don’t need the distractions, I’m glad they’re here so we can catch up anyway. Considering Kenzie is going back to college in a few days, I want to spend as much time with her as I can.
Rowan looks like she’s floating on cloud nine, and I’m so tempted to say something about how annoyingly in love she is with Diesel, but I refrain.
As if she can read my mind, she speaks up. “Bite me.”
“So, how’s the sex?” Kenzie blurts. Rowan and Diesel have been inseparable, and while it’s disgustingly cute, I’m happy for her.
“Kenzie!” I scold, knowing my employees can hear every word we’re saying, but they keep our secrets like vaults. Oftentimes, they’re so focused I forget they’re still in the room. They both have kids a little older than us, so they’re hardly fazed.
“What?” She takes a bite of her omelet. “You were thinking it too. I just care enough to ask,” she states with pride.
I gag, and we all start laughing. Considering the breakfast rush is nearly over, I grab the ingredients to make the homemade rolls for lunch.
“Don’t be a love hater. Someday, Maze…you’re gonna find the one.”
Just the thought of it has me rolling my eyes while I mix, then beat the dough.
“Speaking of which, Diesel and Riley are coming to the bar tonight with the new guy who just got hired. You should come. Kenzie and I are working,” Rowan insists.
“Hells yes, you should!” Kenzie’s face lights up, and she’s way too excited about it. “Stay until after my shift so I can use my newfound drinking freedom to do it legally.” She just turned twenty-one a month ago and takes every opportunity to remind us.
I glance at her. “I’m busy tonight.”
“Doing what?” Rowan asks, doubtful. “Bingeing Love is Blind and shoving dark chocolate into your mouth doesn’t qualify as busy.”
I give her my best death glare, unamused by how right she is.
“But you gotta admit, it’s a train wreck you can’t look away from…” Kenzie says, referring to the show. “Cameron’s my favorite. I’d marry him in a heartbeat.”
“See?” I hold my hand out toward Kenzie. “I need to catch up.”
Rowan doesn’t buy my excuse, though. “You can do it tomorrow. Tonight, you’re coming to the bar! No arguing!”
I plop the dough on the counter, then break it into pieces and roll it into balls. “Damn, I thought getting laid would make you nicer,” I mutter with a smirk.
“Maybe you’re the one who needs to get laid, meanie,” she retorts.
“I definitely need to get laid,” Kenzie adds, and the three of us burst into laughter. I know we’re being loud as hell, but I can’t help it. These two bring out the best in me.
“What’s all this noise I’m hearing?” Dad enters, and I hope to all things holy he didn’t overhear what we were talking about. I’d be absolutely mortified.
“None of your business,” I quickly say. “Girl talk. No boys allowed.”
“Pretty sassy for someone who still lives under my roof,” Dad teases, not that I needed the reminder.
“Kenzie and I are gonna get an apartment in the city,” I say casually, wanting to change the subject quickly.
“Not a chance in hell,” he snaps. “Nice try, though.” He reaches over and steals one of the apple turnovers that Kat delivered this morning. Kat’s a family friend who provides the B&B with gluten-free pastries. While I could prepare everything, Grandma Bishop loves to support Kat’s bakery, and it’s something we’ve done for a long time.
“Dad…” I suck in a breath. “I’m almost twenty-five and live at home. Do you know how pathetic I sound? I need my own place.”
He lifts his eyebrow. “You can move out when you get married.”
This response causes me to snort, considering my very single relationship status. “And did you and Mom wait till marriage to move in with each other?”
I cross my arms and wait for his answer.
“Do as I say…”
“Not as I do,” Kenzie pipes in and finishes his sentence.
“That’s right.” Dad kisses Kenzie on the head. “Your mom isn’t ready to be an empty nester yet, and frankly, I think she’ll go crazy without you two there, so until you’re in a serious relationship, no talk of moving out.”
Rowan looks at us with a tilted head. “My parents are halfway there. I wonder if they’ll get all sappy on me when I move out?” she asks.
“Knowing your mom and dad, they’re ready to relive their youth days and have their privacy back,” Dad says with a chuckle. “They didn’t exactly take the slow and steady route.”
“Thanks for the visual…” Rowan groans. “Now I need to go throw up my breakfast.”
Dad chuckles, then pats her on the shoulder. “Alright, well I’m gonna leave y’all to your girl talk.”
Kenzie and Rowan continue chatting, and when the clock changes to ten, crumbs are all that remain. I add fruits and pastries to different baskets we keep out for the guests, as Sandra and Jane continue prepping for lunch.
“So, you never answered the question,” Kenzie reminds Rowan. “How’s the sex?”
“Mind-blowing,” Rowan says, then snorts.
“I gotta clean up and get ready for lunch,” I tell them, wanting no part of this conversation.
“Go for it,” Kenzie shoos.
After the dining room is cleaned, Jane and I peel the boiled potatoes and then mash them. While I’m adding tons of butter to the pounds of russets, Rowan turns to me.