Maybe I got lost too much in that thought as I’m brought back to Abby when she clears her throat.
“Anyhow. It was good to run into you.Again. But I’ll let you get on with your shopping.”
My mouth opens before I register what is about to come out. “You should come to the BBQ,” I invite her, and I realize my filter thinks it is a great idea.
She looks slightly taken aback.
“Come on. It’ll be a blast. Jess can come. We can throw some Weezer or Nada Surf on the speakers. It’ll be like old times, except something tells me we handle our alcohol better,” I try to persuade her.
There’s still a little hesitation on her face. “I-I guess it would be fun. I’m not on call this weekend so I can have a drink or two.” Her reluctance fades to a smile. “What can I bring?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Nothing. I’ll get everything now for the BBQ. Just bring your bikini as we’re starting up the hot tub tonight.” It came out innocently, but I realize in retrospect that it could be taken out of context. But I like that. I like thata lot.
“Okay, Dr. Kade. I guess…I will see you later.” She nibbles her bottom lip and looks adorable. Her eyes giving me a sparkle before she walks away.
It takes a minute before I knock myself back into action mode. I have items to buy and a need to up the ante with my wine selection for tonight. Suddenly, a night with the guys feels a little extra exciting since we have special guests.
* * *
One thingI hate to admit—and a ping of guilt takes over me—is that not having Theo with me 24/7 as before means it’s easier to throw back a few good drinks and not have to worry about getting home to let the babysitter go. It’s a taste of my life pre-fatherhood. It’s not like I missed it. Being a parent is everything I wanted and more. I took to it better than my ex did. For Isabella, Theo was an obstacle to the life she wanted. For me, my son has enhanced my life to the fullest, and I relish my time with him. But I can’t deny that it is also enjoyable to have more time for myself again.
The sound of the blender in the background fills the air. Max is busy whipping up his Max’s Manifestos, which I am confident is mostly vodka and ice with a splash of juice.
Leo flops on the outside lounge sofa next to where I’m sitting. The outside heater is on and we are sheltered by the veranda. It’s dark out and cold, but my parents went a little overboard with their outside kitchen area, as we have all the necessities to cook outside in the middle of a Colorado winter yet feel completely warm and have the best lighting for nighttime.
I listen as Leo talks about business.
“I really like the work Jake does. A real killer shark with legal papers. I remember meeting him at your wedding,” Leo comments as he opens a beer bottle.
Jake Sutton is an old buddy from Yale. He pursued law and I pursued medicine; we both shared a mutual understanding of late nights at the library. He just moved to the area after making a killing in Chicago, and I recommended him to Leo who runs his family’s company of development deals. None of us can complain that we’re living a hard life financially, that’s for sure.
“Yeah? Good to hear. Only the best for friends,” I say as I watch Max come through the patio sliding door with a jar of his specialty drink.
“Alright, who wants a Max’s Manifesto?” he offers, and Leo and I look at each other amused.
“Pass. I got some good bottles of vino in the fridge,” I answer.
Leo and Max start laughing and look at me.
“Trying to impress?” Leo wonders.
“No. Just thought it would be nice,” I lie a little as I get up and walk to the BBQ to check on the heat under the lid.
“Tell me again about when you fooled around with Abby,” Max requests as he pours a few glasses of his blended mix.
Fooled around is a bit of a stretch, but it’s a memory, nonetheless.
“It was Spring Break, and we were back from college,” Leo begins for me. “Abby was in her senior year of high school. But 17, because that fact is crucial to Lucas who abides by all laws. Party at my place. It was insane, I had Tiffany White and Brittany O’Connell in the jacuzzi then watched them make out in my room,” he recalls with pride.
“Oh yeah. I remember now,” Max says, flashing his eyes at me. “The weather sucked that night and Lucas had disappeared…with Abby.”
I get lucky that this conversation hits a dead end.
We are interrupted by my brother Nate coming around the corner in the backyard as he must have come through the side gate. The dog barks and runs to him. He isn’t alone.
“Found these two beauties on our driveway.” Nate tilts his head behind him to Jess and Abby who follow him and both greet us all with a hello.
“Ourdriveway?” I wonder.
