“I hear y’all have leftovers?” Maverik said, opening the door and leaning out far enough to peek around the door frame.
Angelle smiled. “Yes! So much left over.”
“I’ll help with that,” he said, walking out onto the deck and taking a seat at the table. He looked around. “Damn. I need a plate. Hold on, I’ll be back.” Maverik disappeared inside the house before coming right back with a plate in his hands. “Got it!” he announced as he sat down and started loading up his plate.
“What are you doing?” Valerie asked, following him out onto the deck.
“Having breakfast,” he answered.
“You already had breakfast,” Valerie said.
“Yeah, but I can always eat.”
Boon laughed. “Sounds like my dad. There is never a time he can’t find room for more food.”
“See, baby?” Maverik asked, “he gets me.”
“Are y’all finished?” Valerie asked.
“I am,” Angelle said.
“I’m getting there,” Boon said.
“Would either of you like some coffee?” Valerie asked.
“No, ma’am. But thank you,” Angelle said.
“Of course, baby,” Valerie said.
“No, ma’am. I’m still working on the apple juice,” Boon said.
“I was going to put out orange juice, but Boon reminded me that you prefer apple juice,” Valerie said.
“How’d you know that?” Angelle asked.
“I pay attention,” Boon said proudly. He finished off the potatoes and onions on his plate and nodded enthusiastically. “You’re right. These are really good.”
“Told you,” Angelle said.
“So, what’s on the agenda for the day?” Valerie asked.
“I’m gonna eat most of this, then I might need a nap,” Maverik answered.
“I meant Boon and Angelle,” Valerie said, playfully tapping his shoulder.
Boon opened his mouth to answer, but Angelle beat him to it. “I was about to invite Boon to take a walk to the creek with me. Maybe try to fish a little.”
“Oh, he’ll love it there. It’s a really pretty place,” Valerie said. “Give me a sec, I’ll be right back,” she said.
Valerie came back with a plastic container and scooped most of the potatoes and sausage into it, then went back inside. A few minutes she was back with a picnic basket. She set it on the deck beside Boon. “Some water, some snacks, and the rest of your potatoes,” she said to Angelle.
“Thank you, Aunt Valerie.”
“You’re welcome, baby. Now, go out and have a nice relaxing day.”
Boon watched Angelle, wanting to be sure that she really wanted him to tag along.
She stood up, then pushed her chair back in place at the table. “I’m going to go change into real shoes, then I’ll be ready.”
