“That’s odd behavior, right?” Jack asked.
Bridget nodded. “Mama believes store-bought pizza is awful.”
“The situation with Elena is getting to her,” Zita said, and quickly explained how Elena wasn’t coping with becoming a mother. “Do you want to order, and I’ll go and talk to her?”
“Let’s all go,” Bridget said. “Jack, you can handle the food, right?”
He nodded.
The girls walked outside and David was left holding the baby. He wasn’t quite sure what to say to Jack. He didn’t know him very well, even though Jack worked at one of Dionysus’ plants.
“Which baby have you got there?” Jack asked as he picked up the computer tablet and typed.
“Xaviera.” He should know that. Julio was much bigger than Xaviera. David blinked as annoyance welled up in him. That was weird.
“I thought so. Have you got a preference for toppings?”
“No.” He took a seat. Xaviera was now sleeping.
Jack ordered and then asked David, “Have you got used to Casa Flanagan yet?” His smile was friendly.
David chuckled. “Almost. It’s a lot more vibrant than what I’m used to.”
Jack nodded. “Vibrant is a good word. Carmen is amazing and all the girls have thrived under her.”
“It’s pretty incredible what she and Zita do.” Xaviera was getting heavy, so he shifted her to his other shoulder. “Is the stroller in the laundry?”
Jack left the room, and was back moments later with the folded stroller. Both of them looked at it. “There must be a button somewhere,” Jack said.
At that moment, Beatriz walked in.
“Beatriz, can you set up the stroller for us?” David asked.
She smiled shyly at the two men and nodded. In seconds, she’d unfolded the stroller and locked it into the upright position.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’ll have to get you to show me how to do it one day.” He placed Xaviera inside and covered her with a blanket.
“Is lunch almost ready?” Beatriz asked.
“We’re in charge, so we’re getting pizza,” Jack said.
Beatriz giggled. “I’ll tell the others.”
Remembering the news, David turned to Jack. “I forgot to congratulate you on getting engaged.”
“Thanks. I’m so glad it didn’t take Bridge long to ask. I was itching to put a ring on her finger.”
“You didn’t ask her?”
“No. She wanted to take things slowly, because I was her boss. When she realized she loved me, she wanted to take time to enjoy it and not rush.”
David understood. Things were moving fast for him and Zita as well, and her family had accepted him without a second thought.
Would she get the same reception from his family? The idea that his friends might be right didn’t sit well with him, but he had to consider it. Would Bob alienate Zita?
Because that wouldn’t be OK at all.
