“Does it ever occur to you that not everything that goes through your head should come out of your mouth?” he said in return.
Chloe barked out a surprised laugh. “No, I guess not.”
“Hey, Devon. Chloe.” They both looked up as John approached them.
“Hey, man.”
“You look better than the last time I saw you,” John remarked as he gave Devon a once over.
Devon scrubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I decided drinking wasn’t good for me.”
“Great idea.” John clapped him on the shoulder. “However,I’mgoing to go ahead and have a beer.” John smirked and left them alone again.
“Do you want to sit down?” Devon offered to Chloe. “We don’t have to stand here.”
Chloe looked around. “Maybe in the living room?”
He followed her to the couch. They had a clear view of the table Hailey and Brandon were at, as well as most of the family through the opening to the kitchen.
“How is your business faring?”
He sighed. “We had a few orders this week. The time until completion is longer than I’d like since it’s just me.” He watched Caleb pass through the dining room, tickling Hailey before moving on. “It’s been hard on my savings, but I’m getting there.”
“So it’s possible everything will actually work out?”
He rolled his eyes. “Maybe.”
“Seriously, you’ve made a visible change. Your attitude is everything. If you assume it’s all going to shit, then it will. You’d be shocked what a positive outlook can do for your life.”
“Honestly, if you want to start a new life as a shrink, I’ll be the first to write a letter of recommendation.”
Chloe laughed. “Okay, should we talk about our hobbies? I’m guessing you haven't had the chance to get to any of yours recently.”
“No, I definitely haven’t.” Lydia came into the room, but she took one look at the couch and stopped at the dining room table. “Do you ever get the feeling that your family is avoiding you?”
“Avoiding me?” She followed his line of sight to Lydia. “No. Why do you think they’re avoiding you?”
He shook his head and gazed at her. She sat near him, angled in his direction. “I can’t explain it, but I keep finding myself alone.”
“We’re talking, so I imagine they don’t want to interrupt.”
“Maybe.”
Lydia finally came over. “I thought we could have some dessert now, if you’re interested.”
“Yes, thank you, Dr. McMillan.”
Lydia took Chloe’s hand as she stood. “Sweetheart, I’ve asked you for years to call me Lydia.”
Chloe blushed. “I know, but I see you so often at the hospital that it doesn’t feel natural.”
“You don’t call your mother by her title at home, do you? Or Mom at the station?”
“Of course not.” She smiled at Lydia. “I promise I’ll try to remember.”
Lydia patted Devon’s cheek and left them alone.
“I didn't realize you knew Mom.”
