“Please do.”
“I didn’t know what to expect today. I haven’t been this nervous since I was a teen in high school.”
Carl chuckled, appreciated the man’s openness. “That makes two of us.”
“I’ve not dated much since my wife died ten years ago. In fact, your mom is the first serious relationship I’ve had since then.” He sat upright and made eye contact with him. “It might put you at ease to know your mom has told me all the details from her past. I don’t take her trust in me for granted.”
He’d wondered how much Mom had disclosed. “That’s good to know.”
“You don’t know me well, but I hope that will change. I don’t know the protocol for these things, but I care about your mother, and I’d like to get to know you.”
“I’d like that, too” At some point in the last fifteen minutes, that statement had become true. He wasn’t sure how it would all play out, but he liked Jeff.
Mom returned carrying a tray with two mugs. She handed one to each of them. “Dinner will be ready in a half hour. If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen conquering the final touches.”
“I’ll help.” Jeff jumped to his feet, but Mom asked him to sit back down.
“This is a day I get to spoil those I love.” She winked at both of them. “If you still want to help, then you can take care of the dishes afterward.”
Carl didn’t miss the use of theLword. He’d seen it coming, but it caught him off guard. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
“I won’t argue with the boss lady.” Jeff cast him a sideways grin. “A man learns that very early on in life.”
“Oh you.” Mom swatted him playfully.
For a brief second, Carl felt like an interloper, but then he decided that it was good to see his mom happy, and she was undeniably blissful. “Since we have another man present this year, does that mean I can hand the baton on turkey carving duties.”
His mom chuckled. “Please do. For the sake of us all, please do.”
“I’m assuming there’s a story in there?” Jeff’s glance shifted between them.
Carl smirked. “Let’s just say I earned the rifle expert badge, and my skills exists there and not in knives.”
Jeff’s lips twitched. “I’ll be happy to take over. I’d hate to have Thanksgiving ruined over a butchered bird.”
“You’re my hero,” Jackie said in an exaggerated tone. She kissed Jeff’s cheek then disappeared into the kitchen.
“Are you really that bad at carving?” Jeff sunk into the couch cushion again.
“Sadly, yes.”
“There are worse flaws to have.”
“What’s yours?” The door opened, and Carl wasn’t going to miss the opportunity.
“Where do I start?” Jeff rolled his eyes. “I have two left feet, but thankfully your mom doesn’t care to dance, or I’d be in trouble. The only reason I can cook is because my sister gave me lessons after my wife died so my children wouldn’t starve, but I still manage to burn the simplest of dishes at times, and I hate cleaning. My one splurge is hiring a maid to do most of that for me.”
“To quote a wise man, ‘There are worse flaws to have.’” Like abusing women, doing drugs, the list went on.
“Touché.”
Carl relaxed against the backrest. “What do you do for a living? Mom hasn’t told me much about you.”
“I’m the loan manager for Mansboro Community Bank. If you ever need a loan, come see me.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ve actually thought about refinancing my house.”
Jeff came more alive. “If you’re serious about that, do it soon. Interest rates are projected to increase by the second quarter of next year.”
