Page 131 of The Other Guy

“Good, of course.”

“Of course,” Walker murmurs and I blush because he’s crazy good looking, too. There must be something in the water around here because looking around, everyone is way too pretty to be in one room.

After more introductions are made (Christine, the woman who does all the desserts and owns a coffee shop next to Balance and her husband Andy, the parents of Hazel who’s now shooting daggers at me to which everyone admonishes her for), we move outside to the backyard. Chairs and games are set up on the lawn, about ten kids are playing with water balloons and in a sprinkler, there’s a table filled with food and coolers with drinks.

To my surprise, not a single kid is on an electronic device of any kind. It’s more than refreshing to see. Then I see it. A large bowl in the center of a table set off to the side. A sign that reads: All devices here.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, they kind of love to entertain.”

“No. The devices thing.”

“Oh, right! Crap. Give me your phone.”

“What? Why?”

“Family rule. When we’re all here, we are expected to be present. All phones and distractions go in the bowl. No exceptions.”

“What if there’s an emergency?”

“What kind? All of us are here. And most of us check our phones just in case, we just don’t stay on them.”

“Okay, that’s it. I totally love your family.”

“I told you.”

Jack continues to introduce me to more people, friends of the family that he explains are more family than friends. An extended family that loves and supports each other.

Kyle and I are welcomed into the fold without hesitation. Not once does it feel awkward even though I had to ask everyone to wear name tags because there were simply too many names to remember. Faces I’m great with. Names attached to those faces? Not so much. Kids run around us and have us both playing along with every game, including water balloons where Kyle showed no mercy to the older kids.

My stomach hurts from laughing so much.

My plate and cup has been full every minute I’ve been here.

I see Jack pull Kyle off to the side a few hours into the party, after the sun has started to set and Barrett and James have set up a screen to watch a movie outside. Complete with a large popcorn maker that Tess wheeled out from the basement. They’ve thought of everything.

When Jack returns to me, he hands me a hoodie that smells like him. I slip it on and he wraps me up in his arm.

“What was that about?” I ask about his private conversation with Kyle.

“I asked him if he was looking for a partner at The Landing. I know you’re inheriting it and I don’t want to take that away from you, and I would only be buying in for the kitchen side. Before I talked to you about it, I wanted to see if it was even something he’d be interested in. If you’re not for it, I told him it would be a no go. But if you’re good with it, I have someone interested in buying into the gym with me and I trust him and think it’d be good. I miss being in a kitchen more than I used to, and I’d still help with self-defense classes and be a part of the gym.”

“Jack…”

“But if you feel like that’s stepping on your toes or taking away from something that should be completely yours, I won’t do it. I’m happy with the gym, too. And if I want to start a restaurant down the line, I can. It’s your call.”

“Jack… stop talking for a second.” I kiss him on the lips, cupping his cheek with my hand. “I love this idea. Yes. You should absolutely do this.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh, for sure. You have way too much talent in the kitchen to only give it to me. And I know you love it. I also know that the part of the gym you love most is the classes. Keep doing them. We can handle all three businesses.”

“We, huh?”

“We.”

Because that’s what we are. A we. Hopefully one day we’ll make it official but right now, I’m happy with being in love, spending time together, and continuing to learn more about this incredible man.

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