Page 10 of You Fall First

Dex

Are you kidding? The woman forgets we don’t all live at home anymore, so she’s always cooking for a crowd. Plus, if I get Sayla over there, my parents would be thrilled. They love my wife more than they love me.

Me

Who doesn’t?

Dex

Ha ha. Anyway, the place is fully kid-proofed thanks to Kendal’s rugrats.

Rugrats. An image of Dutton playing with them at the petting zoo flashes across my brain. Then the image shifts to Jo, hovering nearby, looking out for her niece and nephew. When she had that rabbit cradled to her face, her dimples were—Whoa. Yeah. No.

My life’s built around two people now. Paige and Dutton.

There isn’t room for anyone else.

Dex

I just texted her.

Me

Wait. Who?

Dex

My mom. Try to keep up.

Me

Hold on. I don’t want to impose.

Dex

Too late. She already responded with a string of heart-eye emojis, so you’re stuck now, bro. 6 pm. I’ll text you the address.

Me

If you’re sure …

Dex

I’m sure. That’s how the Michaels fam rolls. I predict Maggie will make her famous spaghetti bolognese. Come hungry.

Me

Thanks, man. Dinner with you, Sayla, and your folks sounds great. A little adult conversation will go a long way.

Dex

Don’t be too grateful. I offered to be your wingman and ended up fixing you up with my mom.

Me

Best date I’ve had in years.

Dex