Chapter 12

“Do you want some eggs?” Grace asked her brother.

Steve adjusted his tie, pausing for a moment in front of the mirror. It took him a few seconds to recognize the man staring back. He had finally shaved off his summer beard, and the change made him look unfamiliar—even to himself.

He turned and smiled at his younger sister. “No, thanks. I’ll grab a cup of coffee on the way to school.”

“Well, you’d better be off. Don’t want to keep you from that cute new redhead teacher.”

Ever since he’d casually mentioned his conversation with Diana, Grace hadn’t missed a chance to tease him. Steve stuffed his teacher binder into his backpack, rolling his eyes.

“Did I tell you she wants to volunteer at Equal Opportunity?”

Grace gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Only about seven times.”

“Well, she does,” he muttered, opening the fridge and pulling out his lunch. The rest of the shelves were almost bare. “Want me to grab something for dinner on my way home? I can stop and pick up groceries if you send me a list.”