“Dad, you know Mom likes to monitor your meals. She only lets you get away with coming to town because she thinks I’ll do her job for her.”
This earns Faye a grimace. “I can handle myself just fine, thank you very much.”
Faye puts her hands up and surrenders. “You’re the one who underwent heart surgery. You can deal with her wrath if you don’t want to stick to your diet.”
“I stick to my diet. But an occasional piece of bacon won’t hurt me.”
Wanting to help the guy out, I interject and change the subject. “Hey, Ryan, do you think Lanie and the kids would be up for a bonfire tonight? I’d been promising them one for a while, and with the forecast, tonight might be the best shot we have for the next week or so.”
“I’m fairly certain we’re free, but I’ll double-check.” Ryan digs out his phone and presumably texts his wife.
Within a few seconds, he looks up from his phone and grins. “We’re good. Want me to mention it in the family group chat? I pretty sure everyone’s back in town, including Sloane.”
“Saves me the trouble.” I shrug. Then, to the rest of the table, I add, “You’re all more than welcome to join us.”
Looking at Faye, I squeeze her hand, hoping she, of all people, will attend.
I know I should’ve cleared my sudden plans with her first, but as I glance her way, she smiles in reassurance. Besides, she’s already agreed to meet my girls. With Ryan being a first-hand witness to my kissing the hell out of her just a few moments ago, it’s probably best not to put their meeting off any longer.
“Thanks for the offer,” Jack says, “but we’ve got a chamber of commerce dinner tonight.”
Faye’s dad simply shakes his head. “No can do. Your mom and I are playing pinochle with the Starkweathers. You know how much Lisa and Roy love their games. We’ll catch you another time.”
As my plate of food is brought to the table, Ryan looks up and grins. “Everyone’s in for the bonfire. The girls want to know what to bring.”
“Tell them I’ll text the group once we’re done eating,” I say, before taking my first bite of omelet.
My stomach grumbles in anticipation, and Faye’s beautiful laughter fills the room. “When was the last time you’ve eaten?”
“Last night before we took off,” I admit.
“Hmmm…” she muses as she takes a bite of her waffle. “And you get after me for skipping meals.”
Conversation picks up around the table, and I spend the next few minutes devouring my plate.
Eventually, while everyone is occupied, she leans over and whispers so only I can hear. “I finished my project late last night, so I’ve got a few days free. Think I can persuade you into hanging out with me?”
“Sweetheart, that’s something you’ll never have to ask me twice. As soon as we finish eating, are you ready to get out of here?”
Lanie:
Ladies… Make sure you’re seated and buckle up! You’re never gonna believe what I just heard.
Lanie:
I’d also advise swallowing any drinks before reading further… Have I got a story to tell you.
Lizzy:
What are you talking about?
Lanie:
The mystery has been solved!!!
Sloane:
Dramatic much?
