Victoria blinked innocently at Kassie. The gesture appeared so outrageous, Ty bit back a laugh.
“I did no such thing,” she argued. “Did you see me with a glass the entire time we stayed?”
“No. However, I did notice you suddenly found a fascination with those steel tumblers,” Kassie informed her.
“Darling, those things have become a trend. Name one single mom who doesn’t have at least one for each day of the week,” she challenged.
“You. I haven’t seen one since we returned, and when Emma asked if she could have a sip of your water, you said no.” Kassie narrowed her eyes.
Victoria slammed her menu shut. “I’ll have a water with lemon, please.”
Ty bit his tongue trying to contain his laughter at the comical spectacle between the two women. He handed the waiter their drink order, and Kassie scooted over to allow him to share the booth.
“Besides Victoria causing trouble, how’s everything going? Where are those cute munchkins of yours?” he asked pleasantly.
“Bear and Julie asked to watch them. I volunteered to bring Scarlett to the community center and thought Victoria might enjoy a pleasant lunch,” Kassie explained. “What do you have for specials today? I heard a rumor Scarlett got dibs on one of your new desserts.”
Ty’s stomach flipped when he recalled feeding her a bite of his chocolate cake. “She fell in front of my restaurant. I felt she deserved a bit of a treat.”
“Uh huhhh,” Victoria hummed, narrowing her eyes at him. “I find her rather refreshing. I overheard her talking to those two friends of hers before the rocker dude left. Scarlett knows how to give as much as she gets.”
“Rocker’s his name. He seemed very nice,” Kassie said, taking the water from the waiter.
“He came in with her and Sledge. Are they together?” Ty asked nonchalantly, hoping he didn’t seem too eager. Since Scarlett visited his restaurant, he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind.
Kassie turned, assessing him. “No. They worked together and I recall him mentioning he has a wife and two boys at home. What do you have planned for next Saturday? Taco and Tess will be home from Spain, and we’re throwing a going-away party for the boys.” Kassie picked up her napkin and dabbed her eyes.
Victoria rolled hers. “Good grief. They’re going into the military, not abandoning us. It’s not as if they won’t be safe.”
Kassie glanced at Victoria. “You never know where they’ll get stationed after they finish basic. It might be halfway across the world. Plus, the guys have worked with them and they’re bound to stand out.”
“Ty, I don’t care what she says. Bring me an Irish whiskey neat. If she starts blubbering again, I’m having her see Claire.”
“I’m not depressed. I feel like we only found José and met Lucas,” Kassie sniffed. “The time went by too quickly.”
“I’m not sending you there for depression. She’ll listen to you for ten minutes and prescribe us all medication to deal with you for the next few months,” Victoria said flatly. “The boys know what they’re doing. No one will get even close to them.”
Kassie’s head shot up, searching Victoria’s face. “What did you do?”
“Darling, you have an overactive imagination,” Victoria said, finding a sudden interest in her menu again. “I’m still weak from my coma and haven’t found the time to get intoany trouble yet.”
Kassie snorted before turning to Ty. “If you’re free, why don’t you come? I’m asking Scarlett to join us,” she added with her eyes twinkling.
“What time shall I drop in?” he asked.
“Everyone will arrive at six. We planned an earlier dinner with the kids, and then the teens will watch the babies while the adults and kids enjoy a bonfire. Lucas mentioned he’s never roasted marshmallows or made s’mores. We’re introducing him to the tradition,” Kassie said, swiping her eyes.
“I made chicken carbonara with a tossed salad for my lunch special today and grilled salmon. What can I put in for you?” Ty said, giving Kassie a light squeeze.
“I’ll take the pasta,” Victoria announced.
“May I have the garden salad with grilled chicken, please?” Kassie asked.
“I’ll get those in for you. Will Scarlett be working at the community center tonight?” Ty asked. “I have some business with Leo and can bring her home after I finish.”
“Thank you, Ty. Let me have one of the Grans ask her and see if she feels comfortable with the arrangement. Victoria warned her against the Irish and the Russians. She may have some hesitancy to ride with any man she doesn’t know.”
“I’ll drop by later and ask her. If she doesn’t appear comfortable, I’ll let you know,” he volunteered.
