Page 55 of With Us

The server was over quickly to take our order. Theo went with his original plan, including a chocolate malt milkshake. I got a double order of mozzarella sticks with honey mustard, and a strawberry milkshake with extra,extrawhipped cream.

When the server left, Theo lifted a brow. “That’s an interesting order.”

“When I was a junior, I had this friend, Sasha.” I grabbed a few coffee creamers and stacked them as I spoke. “She was an exchange student from Russia, super heavy accent when she spoke, so she didn’t do it often. But she loved to read. A couple times a week, we used to take the bus from school over to the library. We’d park our behinds on the comfy chairs and stay there until close, reading and enjoying the quiet. Then we’d go to a really greasy spoon down the road, and this is what I always got.”

There. I shared.

Theo’s eyes were soft and warm as he looked at me, but he didn’t make a big deal or make me uncomfortable. “It’s good for a cheese fanatic like you. Not as good as a burger with extra bacon, but good.”

“Fanatic?” I asked.

“Total fanatic. I’m surprised you haven’t moved to Wisconsin.”

“Hmm.” I rubbed my chin like I was thinking. “That’s a good idea. I’ll order one of those cheesehead hats and start gathering boxes.” I flicked one of the creamers at him.

“Don’t even joke,” he said, fighting to look serious as he blocked it and shot it back.

“Hey, a fanatic like me needs to be where I belong. The mothership is calling me home.” Doubling up, I launched two creamers in his direction.

Within moments, creamers and sugars were flinging back and forth in all-out Formica warfare.

The drunks were not amused.

I was amused enough for all of us.

???

“Gattina, you’re making me nervous, and it’smyfamily.”

“Sorry,” I said, smoothing my skirt.

I’d been self-conscious and caught off guard when I’d met Theo’s family for the first time. After experiencing the wardrobe planning insanity that came from knowing I’d be seeing them, I much preferred his original blitz attack method.

My limited choices meant I’d dusted off the green floral first date dress, skipping the leggings and sweater. It was way too hot. The end of June was trying to go out on a high note, with temperatures for the week forecasted to be record breaking. It was hot and muggy, my hair poofing up the moment I walked outside.

Theo grabbed my hand as I smoothed my skirt again, pulling it to his mouth for a kiss. “You look gorgeous, Dahlia. My family already loves you. I had to pull the phone away from my ear yesterday when I told mom you’d be coming.”

I smiled at that, my shoulders relaxing. Needing to pull myself from my thoughts, I looked out the window at the dark clouds rolling in. “It looks like it’ll rain soon.”

“It’s supposed to. Mom said Dad already expanded the table and brought the chairs up from the basement since eating outside won’t be happening.”

“Will Tina, Julie, and the girls be there?”

“They should be. If they are, I’ll make sure to check my pockets before we leave.”

Since no love letters had been discovered after the swimming session, I wasn’t worried.

Not too much, at least.

“Are Tina or Julie married?” I asked.

“Tina is. Gabe’s work keeps him busy, but he should be there tonight. Julie’s husband died in an accident a few years ago.”

“Since Kat is an Amato, does that mean he was your cousin?” At Theo’s chin lift, I put my hand on his knee. “I’m so sorry for you, and Julie and Kat.”

Theo rubbed his jaw, his body tensing. “Even with Marc gone, Julie’s family, so we take care of her and Kat.”

“That’s awesome.”

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