“Ray’s?” Dave asked.
“A bar that caters to bikers and criminals,” Caroline answered. “No offense, Axel.”
He chuckled. “None taken. I don’t have a motorcycle, though I have been called a criminal once or twice.”
Rena covered her eyes and sighed.
“Now if we could just get your cousin to stop hanging around there. At least the baby is keeping Del away.” Her mother harrumphed. “Maybe we need to get J.T. a baby.”
“I think he’s hoping that’ll happen soon enough, Mom.”
Caroline looked delighted. “I can’t wait for grandbabies.” She eyed Axel up and down then her daughter.
“Nope,” Rena said as her mother opened her mouth. “No babies for me yet, Mom. How about you, Dave? Do you have kids or grandkids?”
A pregnant pause filled the silence. Axel sensed tension, but he didn’t know what had caused it.
“As a matter of fact, my daughter just informed me she’s pregnant.”
“Congratulations,” Axel said when no one spoke. Then he realized Dave didn’t look happy. “Yes?”
“Yes.” Dave sighed. “My daughter isn’t having an easy time with my divorce from her mother.”
“None of us are,” Caroline snapped before glancing down. “Sorry.”
“Caroline…”
“Excuse me.” Caroline left the table.
Dave apologized. “I’d better go after her.”
Axel sat with Rena. Determined not to let good food go to waste, he kept eating. He loved a good pot roast.
Caroline started yelling, loudly enough that they heard a few words before a door slammed.
All was not well between the pair, obviously.
Rena started to stand, but he grabbed her arm. “Nein.Let them handle this. They wouldn’t want you to interfere.”
She sat in a huff. “I know. Habit.”
“Eat. This is very good.”
She took a few bites, but her concentration clearly lingered on the hallway.
After some time, Dave returned with a coat. “I’d better give her some space. Rena, it was nice to see you again. Nice to meet you too, Axel.”
Axel nodded.
Dave left, but Caroline didn’t return.
“Now I’m going to talk to her,” Rena warned him.
“Ja,go. I’ll clean up.”
Her frown eased. “Thanks.” She leaned over to kiss him.
“Let me know if I can help, okay?”
