Page 95 of Go Cook Yourself
“You wanted to, though. Well done, Kalen,” Mum says.
I scowl at Kalen first, then Mum with all the force I can muster. She smiles sassily. I really am like my mum and grandma.
“Now to Jem. Son, did you tell your sister she couldn’t date the delectable and lovely Garett because she ‘tore the family apart’ when she was with Neil?”
Jem rolls his eyes, and Kalen walks over and bangs his pan. “Fine! Yes. I told her that because she did. When I was fifteen, all you two did was row.”
“Because you were a punk-ass teenager causing them problems by bunking off school and being a lazy bastard,” Amber says. Instead of a banged pan, Kalen kisses her cheek.
“Why does she get a kiss?” Jem moans.
“Do you want a kiss from your brother-in-law, Jem?” Mum asks with her hands in the air.
“No,” he replies, sliding down in his chair. “Just saying it’s not fair.”
“Let’s straighten this out. Your sister is in love with someone who foolishly lied, thinking he was protecting her, but couldn’t date her because her ass of a brother said it would break up the family when some days we like him more than you, Jem.”
“And now he’s leaving,” I say. Kalen steps closer, but Mum waves him off. “He’s moving to Ireland to run a restaurant because he misses being in charge of a kitchen and using his creativity and skills that way. It’s what he was born to do.”
Flora’s hand shoots up.
“Yes, Flora?”
“He’s also leaving because he’s in love with Ruby and can’t be near her without being with her. And while we’re telling secrets,” Flora adds. Cookie sits patiently at her feet. “Jem dropped out of university several months ago.”
Dad turns to Jem.
“Flora, seriously?” Jem shouts. “Why are you selling me out?”
“Because you called my cookies ridiculous.”
Jem shakes his head and glares.
“But Jem is working in a café,” Flora says before looking at Jem. “You should have told your mum sooner.”
“We went there the other day, and he was a brilliant waiter,” Kath comments, and she and Flora nod at each other.
That makes Jem sit up and smile until Mum turns back to him. “I’ll deal with you later.”
“He also needs somewhere to live, but I’m going to rent a house, and both he and Wicksy, as well as Wicksy’s chickens, are moving in with me,” Flora adds.
Everyone stares at Flora until my mum cuts in. “So let’s establish some facts. Firstly, Jem was a difficult teenager, but hopefully, he’ll be a better adult, and this family’s survived a lot worse than Neil. You can date who you like, Ruby, as long as they make you happy. Secondly, Garett and Ruby love each other and should be together.”
I open my mouth to speak, but my mum holds up my hand. “I’m not done yet. Thirdly, your dad and I need to take some responsibility for the mess of this situation. Not the love bit, that’s all on you. But we should have mentioned our surprise present for Ruby and Jem and what we’re looking forward to next year.”
Jem and I lock eyes and shrug.
“Right, everyone, follow your dad and me.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Ruby
We all follow Mum and Dad as they walk through the cookery school and out the doors. Wicksy is at the front with Flora and Cookie, followed by Jem, who tries to help Amber, but she slaps his hand away, telling him she can walk perfectly fine by herself while also making him carry her bag. Meanwhile, Kalen bangs the pan like he’s commanding his unit.
I’m bringing up the rear with my arm tucked in Kath’s. It’s not for her, though. I need support after the revelations of the last half hour.
“Do you know what all this is about?” I ask. She nods. “But you’re not going to tell me?”