Chapter Three
Tucker chuckled listening to Lucas talk about growing up withhis brothers. They’dbeen at the restaurant for a couple of hours just talking.Raynebowhad fallen asleep with her head on her uncle's lap, and Zoi had long since passed out, falling asleep in his arms. He was shocked when the little girl had reached out for him to hold her. It had been a while since he’d seen the little girl and Tucker had heard about how Zoi didn’t like to be held by just anyone.
Earlier, Tucker left the one-hour meeting that turned into two, feeling tired, hungry, and mentally frustrated. This was one of his favorite restaurants, he liked to eat here whenever he was in New York. There was nothing like an authentic New York pizza. Back in Providence when he ordered a large, it was more like a small compared to what he got here. It was a complete surprise to Tucker when he spotted Lucas and the girls in the booth as he was walking to the bar to wait for his seat.
He’d heard that Lucas became somewhat of a recluse since the death of his wife. Only going aroundthe rest of the family, work, and taking care of his daughter. Tucker couldn’t blame the guy. He’d been doing the same thing since Rochelle died. If he didn’t have to be in New York for work, he would have been home doing what he did every night: thinking about what he had lost. Sitting and talking with Lucas was definitely a good change of pace from the norm.
“I’m so sorry about your shirt,” Lucas said for the fifteenthtime that night.
“It’s fine, and it will wash out.” Tucker shrugged his shoulders.
He really didn’t mind that Zoi had gotten tomato sauce all over his shirt. After holding her in his arms, Tucker waited for the feeling of missing his daughter to wash over him. He mentally sighed in relief and gave himself a pat on the back for not acting like an idiot when nothing happened. Truthfully, he was reluctant to give her back to her father. His arms had felt empty, and he had to busy himself with fiddling with his water glass to not ask to hold her again.
“You have to let me pay for thedry-cleaningbill, at least,” Lucas told him.
“Luc, stop worrying about it. Kids are messy eaters, especially at that age. It happens, so stop stressing,” Tucker told him. He also noticed for the second time that night he’d gone from calling him Lucas to Luc.
Their server came over and asked them if they needed anything else for the night because the kitchen was getting ready to close. Tucker looked around and noticed only a smattering of customers left in the restaurant. Apparently, what he thought was acouple of hours was more than that. They both told her no, and Tucker asked for the check. She nodded at them and walked away.
Lucas sighed. “Shit, how am I going to get them into the car? I really don’t want to wake them,” he said looking down at the two sleeping girls.
“I’ll help you get them settled,” Tucker told him.
Lucas chuckled. “Thanks,” he said looking up at Tucker with a bright smile. Tucker noticed, far more than once that night, when Lucas smiled his dark jade eyes sparkled. It was a bit mesmerizing.
The server came back and handed the bill to Tucker who took it before Lucas could reach for it. He pulled out his wallet and grabbed one of his credit cards without even looking to see which one it was. Putting the card in the black case, he handed it to the server who was still standing there. She smiled in his direction as she took the case from him and walked away.
“You know I can pay for the meal. After all, my kid did make a mess,” Lucas told him.
Tucker waved him off. “It’s fine, and it’s not often I buy dinner for a friend.”
“Then, as a friend, you must, at least, let me take care of the dry-cleaning bill for your shirt.”
“You’re not going to let it go, are you?” Tucker asked him.
“Nope.”
“Fine,” Tucker relented. He leaned back into the booth and waited for the server to come back with his credit card.
“Glad you're finallyseeing things my way, if only others would do what I want,” Lucas said with a wink causing Tucker to chuckle.
“I'm scared to think what could happen.”
The smile remained on Lucas’ face. “All good things, my friend. I promised my parents I wouldn’t take over the world until I have a fully thought-out plan.”
Tucker chuckled. “Why do I get the feeling you’re serious?”
“That’s because I am.”
Tucker shook his head smiling, and it felt good for a change.
Walking to Lucas’ car, Tucker held Zoi in his arms while Lucas carriedRaynebow. They were both silent, and it wasn’t uncomfortable, nor did he feel the need to start up a conversation. Once they got the girls settled, Tucker stood, holding thedoor open, waiting for Lucas to put his key in the ignition.
“Hey, you said you would be around for a couple more days, right?”
“Yeah, I’m here through the weekend, then I need to head back to Providence on Tuesday,” Tucker answered.
“Why don’t you come overto my house tomorrow after you get done with your meeting or whatever?” Lucas asked. “I could throw a couple of steaks on the grill, and we could watch the game or something.”
