Page 20 of Reaching Roland

Me:I cleaned my place and went to the laundromat and caught up on my laundry.

Daddy Roland:You don’t have a washer and dryer in your place?

I could almost picture his face pinching in consternation. He was such a worrywart. It was sweet.

Me:No. Evelyn, that’s my landlady, offered to have the garage outfitted for me, but it’s not a big deal to run out. The bright side is I get it all done at once.

Daddy Roland:If you ever want to come to my house and wash your clothes, you’re welcome to it. Come on Sundays and do it in the afternoon, and then you can stay for dinner. Or I won’t force you to hang out with me. Come on Mondays while I’m at work.

I gasped and clutched the phone to my chest. This man was killing me. A standing invitation to family dinner? Was this how he treated all his friends? How could someone be so kind?

“Kenny, who are you texting?”

Feeling guilty for being on my phone at the dinner table, I looked over at my friend, Will. “Sorry. Roland asked me about my day.”

Will blinked, then bounced in his seat. “Roland who? I didn’t know you were dating someone. Why didn’t you bring them? Oh my gosh, you have to tell me all about him.”

“Boy, why don’t you take a breath and give Kenny a chance to answer,” John, Will’s Daddy and partner for the last eight years, said.

In true Will-fashion, his bottom lip jutted out. “But, Daddy, he’s been here for two whole hours, and he never said a word. That’s not fair.”

Holding up a hand, I shook my head. “No, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m not dating him. Roland is Cameron’s dad.”

“Tap Tavern Cameron? As in Indie’s Daddy’s father, Roland? Why in the world would he be texting you?”

“It’s a long story.”

Will pushed his empty plate up, settled his elbows on the table, cupped his chin between his hands, and fluttered his eyelashes. “I’m listening.”

John chuckled and stood up. “I’m going to clean the kitchen and go get some work done in my office while you two chat.”

“But I brought strawberry tarts for dessert. Don’t you want one?” I asked, hoping he’d stay and control his boy. I adored Will, but he’d push, and I’d break. The last thing I wanted to admit out loud was that I might be harboring a little, itty-bitty crush on the older silver fox.

He narrowed his eyes at me playfully. “Of course I do. You guys chat while your food digests. I’ll get a little work done, and then I’ll be back out to have dessert with you.”

Will rolled his eyes so hard I thought they’d fall out of his head. “Daddy’s become obsessed with my digestion.”

I nodded absently, but I was totally distracted by my phone vibrating again. Was it another message from Roland?

John leaned down and kissed the top of Will’s head. “Because you’d stuff yourself silly if I didn’t keep an eye on you. And you’ve had too many stomach aches lately. I don’t like it. The next step will be a visit to the doctor’s office.”

Will tilted his head back and stared up at him with hearts in his eyes. “Yes, Daddy.”

While they schmoozed, I glanced at my screen.

Daddy Roland:Was that too pushy? I’m sorry.

Oh no! I wouldn’t take him up on his generous offer, but I didn’t want him to think I didn’t appreciate it. Or even worse, think that I didn’t want him texting me.Play it cool, Kenny.

Me:No. Not at all. Sorry. I’m at John and Will’s for dinner.

Daddy Roland:Why didn’t you tell me you were busy? I’ll talk to you another time.

I really didn’t want to be rude to Will and ignore him, especially if John was leaving us alone to talk. At the same time, I liked hearing from Roland.

Me:Can I text you when I get home?

Daddy Roland:If you’re not too tired. But I’ll warn you, if I don’t answer, it’s because I’m already in bed. You know how it is for us old folks, shortcake.

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