“Papa, is it ready?” Jason calls out the minute the kernels stop popping, and the room goes silent, bringing me back to the present.
“As soon as I pour on the melted butter and add some salt, I’ll bring you each a bowl. Want some Faye?”
“Yes, please.” Faye nods. “You sure you don’t want help?”
“Start the show, and I’ll dish everyone up. Want anything to drink while I’m at it?” I offer to the room.
Over the sound of the movie cueing up, I hear, “Milk, please,” immediately followed by my other grandson shouting, “Me, too!”
“Faye? I’ve got soda, milk, water, and juice.”
“One of those Pepsis I saw earlier would be great, thanks. You sure you don’t need help?”
“I got it,” I assure her as I set out bowls on the counter.
With popcorn and drinks passed out, I settle in beside Faye, just as the opening credits roll. She sighs heavily as she settles into the couch, and it takes everything in me not to wrap my arm around her and pull her close. With the boys mere feet away, I settle for stretching my legs out in front of me and resting my arm against hers between us.
The warmth of her skin and the scent of her perfume have every nerve ending in my body misfiring. I feel like I’m fighting a war with myself, forcing my limbs to remain in place.
What is it about her that has me coming out of my skin?
Maybe I haven’t been around any woman in recent memory that I’ve wanted more with.
Being with Faye has always been as easy as breathing.
Maybe it’s because we’re older, but even after one night, this just feels different.
As I glance at each of my grandsons, I realize Faye’s the first person I’ve ever considered bringing around my family. When I saw her this evening, it never even crossed my mind not to include her in our plans.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve kept women at bay because I knew I wouldn’t have time for them or be able to put in the effort they deserved.
My girls came first—always. If I had leave, it was spent with them. Period.
Now that I’m retired, I’m doing what I can to make up for lost time with my family.
I’m jostled from my thoughts when Faye nudges me in the ribs and whispers so only I can hear, “You okay over there, Lancaster?”
“Uh… Just got lost in my head for a moment,” I admit.
That’s not a lie, but I’m not sure I’m ready to reveal my truth just yet.
I need to wrap my head around it first.
Hell, I’m not even sure where my line of thought is going.
What does more even mean?
Her brow quirks the way it used to when she was about to call me on my shit.
Just before she says what’s clearly on her mind, I purposely dart my eyes toward my grandsons, hoping she’ll get that now’s not the time to have this discussion.
I watch her eyes narrow and lips purse, and I can see her indecision to let her instinctual worry go.
Needing to reassure her, I quickly reach for her hand, give it a squeeze, and hope it’ll be enough to help her stop worrying. The moment my hand touches hers, her features relax, and I let go of the breath I wasn’t aware I was holding.
Her implicit trust makes my chest squeeze.
Intertwining her fingers with mine, she nods once, then returns her attention to the movie as if she doesn’t have a care in the world.
