Finn caught my gaze.
I smiled.
He smiled back.
Dinner meandered in easy conversation after that. I directed any probing questions into my work history or my personal life into ferreting out anecdotes about Finn and his childhood. Apparently he’d always had a daredevil streak in him.
Valerie’s refusal to let him play football still rankled.
“You did just fine in soccer.” She pointed her fork at him. “And now you help by coaching basketball. See? No expensive gear needed.” She turned to me. “And you?”
“None of the above. I tried hockey. Once. Complete disaster. I was not designed for skates.”
“I could teach you. I’m pretty proficient.” Finn grinned.
“Uh, no. But thanks.” Memories of my bruised ass after my one attempt was enough to keep me off blades forever. I gestured to Valerie’s empty plate.
She handed it over. “I think I need a break before I tackle dessert.”
I snagged Finn’s cleared plate, created a pile, and headed to the kitchen. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“Ulysses owns a motorcycle. Likes to drive it fast.”
I put the plates on the counter and turned to face Finn as he stood.
Valerie pivoted her attention to me. “Seriously? Do you know what nurses call motorcycle riders?”
“No. And I probably don’t want to.” I glared at Finn.
Who just gave me a shit-eating grin.
“Organ donors.” Valerie picked up her glass of water and headed to the couch. “I’ve seen it happen. A shame. Those things are so damn dangerous.”
Finn snickered.
“You think I don’t know about you riding Bobby Jansen’s motorcycle in grade eleven?” She wagged her finger at him.
He blanched.
I chuckled.
He glared.
“Mothers know these things. You never could keep secrets from me.” She sat on the couch. “Which is why I’m surprised you kept Ulysses a secret for so long.”
“We’ve only been dating a few weeks.” Finn held my gaze.
“But you hooked up in the summer.” Valerie sipped her water.
“Who told you that? Spring?” Finn rubbed his forehead. Then he pointed an accusatory finger at me.
I pressed a hand to my chest. “I swear I didn’t tell anyone anything.”
Valerie laughed. “You two are a hoot. Now come and sit with me.”
Obediently, we moved to the living room. I sat in the recliner while Finn joined his mom on the couch.
I told Finn, “I think it’s nice to have someone who cares that much about you. Even if they are a little…intrusive.” I met Valerie’s gaze.
