Chapter 23

The door opened before we even got there and my mother peered out. “You’re two minutes late,” she informed us.

I tried not to blush but didn’t think I was successful. “Uh, hi, Mom. This is Casey.”

She stepped back to let us inside. “I assumed so. Does Casey have a last name or is he like Cher?”

Casey turned on his charming smile and offered her his hand to shake. “Casey Logan, Mrs. Landers. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And I have to say that whatever you’re making for dinner smells so good it’s making my mouth water.”

My mother shook his hand. “You’re rather full of it, aren’t you?”

“Mom.”

She rolled her eyes. “We’re having chicken.” She looked at Casey. “You like chicken?”

“I love chicken,” Casey said.

“Why don’t you go get your father, Seth? He’s in his den.”

As usual. I nodded but didn’t move.

Casey touched my arm. “I’ll go with you.”