Chapter 794
Fortunately, even though it was just a weekend getaway, Calliope had packed her usual supply of meds, just in case.
“It’s nothing serious,” Calliope said with a resigned sigh. “It’s just that you won’t be able to walk much in the next few days p>
She glanced at the others with a wry grin. “Honestly, it worked out. Our trip’s pretty much over anyway, so once we’re back home, just take a few days to rest p>
Portia, half laughing, half exasperated, chimed in, “Of all the times to get hurt, you really picked the perfect one! Should’ve worn your shoes earlier p>
“Yeah, yeah,” Mavis agreed, rolling her eyes at herself. “I got caught up having fun, ditched the sneakers, and look what happened p>
“It’s fine, as long as it’s nothing major,” Calliope assured her. “And hey, with me, the miracle worker around, even if it was serious, you’d be in good hands p>
Mavis grinned. “Thank goodness for Dr. Callie p>
Portia leaned in towards Mavis, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Uriah was freaking out about you, you know. At first, he had no idea you were hurt. But once he found out, he looked like he was about to have a meltdown p>
Mavis snorted. “He’s not that dramatic. Getting banged up is par for the course for us. He’s probably just stressing about our post-holiday project p>
She honestly didn’t think Uriah was that concerned about her personally. Most likely, he was worried about their mission.
Portia shook her head. “No way. He’s worried about you, not just the task p>
“I agree,” Calliope said, packing up her first aid kit. “I swear, Uriah’s just about ready to burst. If you push him a little, he might finally come clean about his feelings. You should pretend you’re considering Norton, just to see if it gets a reaction out of him p>
Portia nodded enthusiastically. “It’s worth a shot. Give him one last nudge. If he’s still unmoved, well, at least you’ll know for sure p>
Mavis let out a small sigh and nodded. “Alright, I’ll try p>
Soon enough, Uriah and the others returned. The minute they walked in, Calliope, Portia, and Mavis dropped the topic.
Everyone gathered around to check on Mavis’s foot, relaxing when they saw it was already taken care of and nothing to worry about.
“Alright, who’s hungry?” Archie Yoder called out. “Let’s get started on that seafood haul! We really scored today. There’s plenty for everyone p>
“Let’s do it!” Calliope replied.
The group headed out into the backyard. The rental house had a nice garden with lots of space. There, they sorted through the fresh seafood they’d collected earlier.
They weren’t exactly seafood experts, but thanks to YouTube tutorials, it didn’t take long to figure things out. Everyone was smart and picked up the techniques quickly. s
Before long, everything was cleaned and prepped.
Next came the cooking. After a quick debate, they decided each person would handle one dish. That way, if someone’s cooking went sideways, there’d still be plenty to eat, and everyone could show off their signature recipe.
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Of course, Mavis, being the injured one, was off kitchen duty. Her job was to sit back and relax.
Inside, the kitchen was buzzing with
activity-someone was frying up calamari, someone else was prepping crab cakes, another was throwing together a giant shrimp boil. Outside, some were cleaning up, others were playing cornhole and a few just lounged on the porch, soaking up the evening sun. s
With everyone pitching in, dinner came together fast. One by one, the dishes were plated: garlic butter lobster tails, New England clam chowder, grilled oysters, and more.
The whole house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of seafood they’d caught themselves, and everyone’s stomachs started to rumble in anticipation.