I took in Aston, wearing another white shirt, dark jeans, pristine Adidas sneakers, and quickly glanced down at my jeans with the hole in the knee, and my black off-the-shoulder tee. We were a mismatch. I was grilling burgers, and he would probably call for delivery or hire a caterer.
“Don’t do that.”
“What?” I asked.
“Mentally calculate all the reasons we don’t belong together. I can see your mind churning, Bex.” He didn’t get in my personal space, rather looked me dead-on, and waited until I settled down.
Blowing out a breath, I finally spoke. “I can’t help it. This is so surreal.”
“Enjoy it. Let’s toss those veggies on—”
“I can do it.”
“News flash, so can I. Let someone take care of you, Bexley.”
Later, I yelled for all the kids, and they came tumbling out of wherever they were hanging out and gathered around the table. Mara stared with wide eyes at Piper, taking in every movement, every syllable spoken. To say she was smitten was putting it lightly. Little A and Tyler laughed and joked while wolfing down burgers.
“These are good,” Little A said with a mouth full of French fries.
“Hey, buddy, chew your food,” Aston said sternly.
“We’re just boys,” Tyler said, defending his new friend.
“Who should chew their food,” I said, chiming in.
After swallowing and taking a swig of soda, Little A grinned. “The fries are good, though.”
“We never have these at home,” Mara said. “It’s always broccoli, and more broccoli.”
“Broccoli is important to stay healthy and grow. Tonight’s just a fun night. Like if we went out for pizza,” I said, defending myself.
Aston squeezed my knee under the table, and if I weren’t so nervous, the squeeze would have made other parts of me flutter. “Mara, Denise always makes you a healthy meal. If you want fries, we’ll plan to get some, but I think you probably have enough when you’re at the mall.”
Mara’s mouth dropped open. “Dad, that’s supposed to be a secret between Denise and me.”
“Then tell Denise not to put it on my credit card.”
This made Piper laugh, and I watched Aston take it all in. Her happiness appeared to consume him, and the smile stayed on his face. Then she proceeded to launch into a huge discussion about the mall—her favorite stores, the smoothies at the food court, and a jumpsuit she’d been wanting, but she was waiting for it to go on sale.
This time, it was my turn to squeeze Aston’s knee when he leaped into asking where it was from. He’d buy it for her at full price, right this second, if he could.
“American Eagle,” Piper said.
“Never heard of it,” Aston said.
“Oh, it’s jeans and shirts and sweaters and socks. Ya know, everything. All the cool kids wear it. It’s expensive, though. Mom took me for my birthday last year because I got a gift card.”
Aston pulled out his phone. “What’s it called again?”
“We don’t usually have phones at the table.” Piper looked at Aston, then me, and back to Aston.
“I’m sure we can make a quick exception. I want to make a note of this store. I’m getting to know Piper,” he said, turning to appeal to me.
“American Eagle,” Piper said again.
“Do you know it?” Aston looked at Mara while he typed.
She nodded. “Denise goes there for her niece.”
