“Sounds good. Anything to drink?”
“Lemonade?”
“On it.”
The waitress left, and Kerry glanced across the table at Adam. “Is that why you weren’t all over Lore’s plan for a co-ed indoor soccer team for the winter? You had high hopes you wouldn’t be here?”
He looked impressed. “You have a sharp memory. I said that once, months ago.”
“Soccer has become the central tenant of my social life, what can I say?”
He nodded. “That was why. But you might be able to convince my brother Josh to play.” He paused. “Or Owen?”
The thought of Owen negotiating the politics of a team sport made her giggle.
“No, not Owen,” Adam said.
She shook her head. “He’s got a lot on his plate, anyway.”
Adam frowned. “Not that much. Don’t be scared off.”
That surprised her. “I’m not.”
“You’re good for him.”
“I’m—” She was speechless, that’s what she was. She hadn’t really been prepared for the conversation to go there. It was very small town, and she suddenly felt naked.
Adam read that immediately, and leaned back. “He hasn’t said anything. It’s just an observation.”
“One that maybe you’ve talked about with others?” She asked it lightly, but she wanted to know.
Adam grinned. “In passing.”
In her head, Kerry heard Lore telling her it was never boring on the peninsula. That had certainly proven true.
She glanced toward the kitchen. “My cheeseburger could arrive any minute now, I’m just saying.”
Adam laughed, and at least that was better than the tight, sad face she’d seen when she walked in.
Chapter Nineteen
When Owen got home,Becca was in her room. It smelled like dinner was under way, something warm and fragrant, and he could hear his daughter talking to her son.
“Yes, you show me how you can stretch. Just like that. Kick those legs. Can I get a smile? Can I make you smile? Awww. I love you, too. Yes I do. Yes I—” Owen didn’t want to interrupt the cuteness, but Becca sensed his presence in her doorway. She glanced over at him. “Hey.”
“Dinner smells good.”
She nodded. “I think it will be.”
“You’ve been making some amazing things lately.” Why did this conversation feel so awkward? Owen hated how the words clogged in his throat.You’re all grown up. Suddenly. I see you.
“I paid attention last year when I was working banquets. Some things stuck.”
“You think maybe you’ll want to try cooking as a career?” Even as he asked it, Owen knew it was the wrong question.
Becca gazed down at Charlie. “I don’t know.”
A polite answer, or a deflecting one, because he was pretty sure she did know—she had hopes for Hayden to carry the load.
