Page 12 of Cartel King

“Would you have time to go for a walk tomorrow morning?”

“I’d like that, but I always feel bad when you catch me on your way out for your run. I feel just as badly on days when you double the distance.”

“A little extra fresh air and activity is good for me. I don’t have to run every day to stay in shape, so I’m not too worried if I walk rather than run some days.”

“All right, I’d like that.”

We linger for a moment, looking at each other. We say goodbye before it gets awkward. I head into the house through the garage, and I’ve barely stepped into the kitchen before my boys confront me. They’re all leaning against something, one foot crossed in front of the other, their arms crossed against their chest.

“You learned that from me, so it’s hardly intimidating. I don’t care if you’re all a foot taller than me. I’m thirsty.” I turn toward the cupboard to get a glass, but they close ranks.

“Mom, who was that?”

“A friend.”

“Mom—”

“Steve, you get that tone from me, too. You cannot intimidate me when I’ve been using that tone of voice on all three of you since the days you were born.”

“Look, we’re not upset you went for a walk with someone.”

Will isn’t always the peacemaker, but he’s trying today. He hands me a glass of water I down while he continues talking.

“We’re glad you’re making friends in the neighborhood. We just didn’t expect it to be a guy who looks like he could snap you in two.”

“That’s your reaction to seeing him? You think he’d hurt me?”

“No, we just don’t know him. That’s all. Are you guys dating?”

“No, we’re walking.”

“That sounds like something out of one of your books, Mom.” Steve jumps in, and I’m not enjoying them being adults as much as I did this morning.

“I didn’t say we were walking out together. He’s not courting me.”

“What do you know about him?” Hunt won’t be left out either, and he can be the most dogmatic of them.

“His name’s Enrique. He doesn’t live far from here. We’re both rowers. We both grew up playing soccer. He’s got a lot of guys in his family who aren’t too much older than you, and he was traveling for work the last few days.”

“That’s it? That’s all you know about him?”

“Am I supposed to know much more than that?”

Will shoots his brothers a look, and they back down.

For now.

“We just want to make sure you’re safe. No one wants to see you happy more than we do. You deserve it, and if you enjoy his company, cool. We’re just not used to seeing you talking to a guy you might date.”

Will wraps his arm around my shoulders, and I lean against him. I’m not completely used to having adult children.

“Let this run its course. Do nothing unless I ask.”

I don’t need a dossier on the guy, which is what I’ll get if I let the boys do what they want. That or Enrique will never speak to me again.

“Ellie, I can’t go on our walk this morning because I have an early meeting. I didn’t want to just not show up.”

“I understand.”

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