“Seth,” Mom warns gently as she sets fresh baked rolls on the table. “Be nice.”
“Where’s my hug, kid?” Thomas says, opening one arm dramatically.
Beth hops up and throws her arms around him. “You smell like smoke and onions.”
“And love,” he replies, earning a groan from Beth.
The front door opens again, and Dad walks in with Nate close behind. Both look wiped, but still manage to smile as the noise of the kitchen greets them.
“Smells amazing,” Dad says, clapping Thomas on the back. “Grill master strikes again.”
“Matthews estate go okay?” I ask Nate, who’s already reaching for a chip.
“Yeah. House was gorgeous. Some incredible mid-century pieces.”
“Wait, what’s mid-century?” Beth asks, looking between us.
“Fancy old stuff Cal likes to call furniture,” Nate jokes.
Beth giggles. “You mean like the chairs that look too nice to sit on?”
“Exactly,” Seth says. “But don’t say that too loud. You’ll hurt Cal’s feelings.”
“I sit on all my chairs, thank you very much,” I reply.
“Only after buffing them with a microfiber cloth,” Thomas mutters.
Mom sets down a bowl of rice pilaf, her smile gentle. “All right, comedians. Food’s ready. Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
Beth plops into her seat and leans over to whisper, “Can I tell you something after dinner?”
I nod. “Of course.”
“It’s about a boy,” she says, then quickly adds, “But not in a weird way.”
“Got it. Totally not weird.”
Her cheeks flush a little, and she glances toward the rest of the table. “He asked if I wanted to walk with him after practice next week.”
“Do you want to?” I ask quietly.
“I think so,” she admits.
I nod again, squeezing her hand under the table. “Then walk. And if he’s a jerk, you tell me, and I'll handle it.”
Her smile stretches wide. “I knew you’d say that.”
I lean in a little closer, lowering my voice just enough for only her to hear. “And if he doesn’t keep his hands to himself, you remember what I taught you.”
Beth tries—and fails—to stifle a giggle. “Right in the shin.”
I raise a brow.
“Okay, fine. A little higher.”
“Exactly.”
She grins like it’s our secret, and I wink before handing her the bowl of fajita filling.
