Page 11 of Loving Kai

Abe took his cell out of his pocket. “Sorry, it’s on silent. What’s up?”

“Levi is having a bad day.”

“Sorry, man. Are you staying home with him?”

“I’d sure like to. But if you really need me, just call.”

“We’ve got it. Take the day, and tell the little dude his uncle sends his love.”

“Will do. Luke isn’t available either. He’s helping Dad today.”

“Right. No problem.”

“Okay. But please call…”

“I will.” He ended the call as Maggie walked up to him.

“Is that an order?”

“Gentry. He’s staying home with Levi today.”

“Oh, poor baby. Is he okay?”

“Having a rough time, I guess.”

“So, Luke’s coming in?”

“No. It’s just you and me today, kid.”

“Hmm. Okay. We can do it.”

“Get the front set up, then come help me back here.”

“Yes, boss.” He shook his head, and she smiled. “Master? Your Highness? Mr. Buchanan?”

“Abe works. Although I’m kind of fond of Your Highness.”

Maggie left to get the restaurant ready, and Abe started the fire in the pizza oven. Once it was going, he took a tray of dough from the walk-in and set it next to the oven to warm and rise. With the cooler weather, they’d sell more soup than usual, so he began preparing a pot of chicken noodle and another of navy bean. He was chopping chicken when Maggie came up behind him.

“What can I do?”

He didn’t hear her coming, and he jumped, which caused the knife to slip and cut his finger. He dropped the knife. “Ouch. Dammit.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. That dammit was aimed at me, not you.”

“Let me see.” She put a hand on his arm.

“No, it’s fine.” He grabbed a towel and held it against the wound.

“Your Highness, let me see.”

He smiled, then went to the sink. Maggie followed him, then gasped when she saw how deep the cut was on his right index finger.

“That’s bad.”

Abe ran it under water. “I just need a Band-Aid.” He glanced at her. “Will you get me one from the first aid kit?”