“Any preference?”
“I’ll have what she’s having,” Steph says, motioning to the wine glass in Layla’s hand.
“Coming right up. The food is ready. Kyra and Deacon, please grab a dish and take it to the table.”
Both Kyra and Deacon do as they’re told and grab a dish or two and head to the dining room. I hand over a glass of wine to Steph and she then grabs a dish and follows Kyra and Deacon, leaving me and Layla in the kitchen.
“Okay?” I ask, coming over to her, rubbing her back gently. It’s never easy meeting an ex. Even if said ex isn’t vindictive and petty.
“I think so.”
I nod and pick up the turkey. “Head on in. I’ve got this.” Before I can even blink, she grabs the last dish and walks out. This woman. Grabbing the turkey, I follow.
When we’re finally all seated, I keep an old tradition alive. “Everybody, say grace!”
“Grace!” they all chime, all smiling and laughing. It works for us, what else can I say?
“Now, let’s dig in,” I call out, picking up a dish, passing it around. By the time everything has been passed around and I’ve doled out turkey, everyone’s plate is full.
“Kyra. Deacon. Catch me up. How is school? Kyra, how’s Cooper?” I ask, keeping the conversation light.
“School is school,” Deacon answers first, before stuffing his mouth with turkey and mashed potatoes.
“And baseball season?” I prod, trying to get more out of him. “Waiting patiently, I presume?”
He nods, stuffing his face again.
“And you?” I ask Kyra.
“Same as Deacon. School is school. I’m on track to have straight A’s this semester.”
Kyra is a smart cookie. So is Deacon. “And Cooper?”
“He’s fine. I asked him to come with me today, but he’s with his family.”
Huh, that’s the first time I’m hearing this. “Well, he’ll always be welcome here,” I tell her. Cooper seems like a good kid. And I trust Kyra to not date a total loser. I trust my kids’ judgement.
“And how about you, Steph. Everything going okay? Anything I need to know?”
Steph takes a sip of her wine before she answers. “Same as usual. Nothing new to report.”
I nod.
Steph takes another sip. “You look familiar,” she says to Layla.
Layla brushes her hair over her shoulder and shrugs. “I don’t think we’ve ever met.”
“Oh! I know what it is. I saw an article on the news a few years ago about up and comers in Chicago. You own a company that starts businesses and then sells them. Right?”
Layla smiles proudly. “Yes. LC Holdings.”
Steph nods, going back to eating, same as Kyra and Deacon.
Moving a hand to Layla’s jean-clad thigh, I give it a gentle squeeze. I’m proud of her, too. She glances over at me, then continues to eat. I do the same. And by the time we’re all done, everyone is stuffed to the gills.
“I think we’re going to head out,” Steph says.
“Thank you for coming,” I say, my arm around Layla’s waist. “And Deacon and Kyra?” I call out to my kids who are getting their coats on.
