She set her purse on the table with the discharge instructions. A yawn popped out and took her by surprise. “I didn’t sleep well last night.”
He subtly inclined his head to the door. “I’ll head home and let you get your rest.”
“No.” The protest slipped out in earnest. “I mean, you don’t have to leave now. I couldn’t sleep even if I tried.”
“Are you hungry?” He didn’t move any closer to the door. “I can order an early dinner, and have it delivered or run out and pick it up.”
“You don’t have to do-” She cut off her protest. Why would she encourage him not to stay and eat with her when that’s all she wanted? “I’d like that. If you don’t want to order out, I can cook something.”
“I’ll take you up on that another day but relax. What are you in the mood for?”
“It’s so hot, I don’t want anything heavy. Do you like Greek food?”
“Most of it.” He gave a short shrug. “I can always go for an authentic gyro.”
“There’s a little restaurant ten minutes away that has amazing food. They don’t deliver, but it’s well worth the drive if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll go. What do you want?” He jingled the keys in his pocket, then must have remembered he had hers. He took them out and handed them to her.
“A Greek salad.”
“That’s all?” His forehead creased with doubt.
“It’s huge and delicious.”Plus, light and filling to make up for the junk I’ve been stress eating.
“I’ll be back soon. Need anything else while I’m out?” He held his keys in his hand, ready to go.
“Can you pick me up an unsweet tea?” She pulled several bills from her purse and held them out for him to take.
His eyes narrowed to warning slivers. “My treat.”
She rolled her eyes, but her heart leaped. Though she had no qualms about paying for her own food, his generous gestures made her feel protected and cared for. She’d been on her own so long, she’d forgotten what that was like.
Chapter Fourteen
Surrounded by family, Aaron briefly lamented that he’d have to leave the annual Independence Day party early. He looked forward to this day every year, when his siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives he wasn’t sure of the connection came together for the ultimate cookout at his Uncle Paul’s house.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken—any food that could be thrown on a grill made it on the rack. Tupperware bowls of potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, and bags of chips in every variety were spread along three picnic tables put together.
A volleyball net was erected in the backyard, along with a croquet court. Filled water balloons sat in a metal tub, ready for the yearly fight. Lawn chairs dotted the yard, most finding a home under the shade of elms and maples. Patriotic songs played on a loop from speakers attached to the garage.
Considering the sheer number of people in attendance, Aaron thought he’d be able to slip out with little notice. He found his parents and told them he was leaving—more of a reminder since he’d told them beforehand he’d have to leave early.
Mom, donned in her decade-old flag t-shirt, gave him a hug. “When do I get to meet this girl?”
“Soon, I promise.” He disengaged from the embrace. His mother had a habit of smothering when she got emotional. Which she did any time one of her children started a new relationship with the possibility of marriage, er, grandchildren. “Her parents are in town and she rarely sees them. Once they leave, I’ll bring her to meet you.”
“Please do.” She waved a hand over her face. “Four children, all in their thirties, and only one grandchild.”
“Sue.” His dad spoke Mom’s name in a slow warning. “Not everyone finds their soulmate and marries straight out of high school.”
Mom sighed. “I know, I know.”
Aaron kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom. And you’ll have more grandchildren when it’s God’s time and not a second sooner.”
Her plump cheeks rose when she smiled. “Can’t argue with that.”
His cousin Luke ran to him. “We’re starting a game of volleyball. Are you in?”
