Page 30 of Something Stronger
“We need refreshments. It’s hot out there.” He sighed as he made his way over to the fridge. I watched as he grabbed three waters out and set them on the island. “Drink up, because I’m getting my rematch after dinner.” He pointed to the kids.
“And you’re gonna lose again, Old Man,” Jack teased.
“Who you callin’ old?” Hank twisted the top off his water and downed half of it.
“You, Old Man.” Jack pointed. “Listen to how out of breath you are.”
“He’s working in the hayfield tomorrow. You hear this? Imma show him what this ‘old man’ can do,” Hank taunted and Codie giggled.
“You poked the bear. Don’t come whining to me tomorrow when he works you to death,” she warned.
“Bring it!” Jack threw it right back.
“Boys.” I looked at both of them. “I think you should come to the studio sometime and see how hard this one works.” I nodded at Amy.
“I am not getting in the middle of this.” Amy shook her head as she sipped from her water. “Can we eat, Aunt Codie? I’m starving.”
“Dinner is served.” She carried over a pan of lasagna and some toasted garlic bread. “There’s salad in the fridge if someone can grab it, and Hank, please get the dressing out.”
We sat down and served our plates, and, in that moment, I was never happier to have someone else preparing dinner. I was tired and sore from painting for the last two days and being able to relax with family was just what I needed.
Chapter 18
Louisiana
I didn’t know why I agreed to this. I’d been contemplating all day about canceling, but part of me was curious. After talking with Codie, I agreed to have dinner with Issac. He seemed happily surprised when I said yes after dance class the other night. Up until today, I was onboard with everything, but then my nerves and doubts started creeping in and I’d been second guessing my decision all day.
“Oh, Mama,” Amy stopped in the doorway. “You look so pretty.” She came into my room and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Thanks, sweetie.” I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I was wearing a long blue skirt and a white blouse. It was sleeveless and had tiny blue buttons up the front. I’d pulled my hair back and tied a blue ribbon around it. I’d gone very light with my makeup because it was so hot out. I didn’t want to sweat it all off. Issac had offered to cook, and he invited Amy and me to both come over. He said the girls could hang out at the barn while we had our dinner. His trainer, Craig, would watch them and they could eat with his other staff.
“Do you think this is ok?” Amy motioned to her pink top and denim shorts.
“I think it’s fine. Don’t worry if you get dirty.” I laughed lightly. Amy had always been a girlie girl, but Hallie seemed like the type who might bring her out of her shell. I could sense that the two of them together could spell trouble. “Get your things. We need to go so we’re not late.”
I stared for a few more moments before I forced myself to grab my purse and head to my car. This would be fun, and more relaxed if we were eating at his house, right?
Ooooooooo
The drive to Sunlit Acres didn’t take long. It was beautiful out, and the sun was just starting to sink behind the trees. I parked in the circular drive, and as soon as I cut the engine, Hallie came rushing out the front door. “Come on!” she called to Amy as she took off in a sprint toward the barn. Amy rushed after her, her bag bouncing along on her back. I stood watching until they disappeared into the barn and then I turned to climb the steps to the front door. Just as I was raising my hand to knock, it slowly opened. “Hi.” Issac was standing there in dark jeans and a blue button down with an apron on top. He stepped back and motioned for me to come in. “I thought we could eat on the deck. It’s a nice evening.” He closed the door and led the way into the kitchen, through the back slider and out onto a beautiful wooden deck. There was a grill off to the side surrounded by an outdoor kitchen, and several benches with green and white cushions on them. A table was set up with green and white linens and wine was chilling. “Would you like a glass?” He motioned to the bottle. “I wasn’t sure if you were a wine drinker and if so, if you’d prefer white or red.” He picked up the bottle and began to open it.
“This is fine.” I nodded as he poured two glasses and handed me one. I sat down on one of the benches as he moved about the outdoor kitchen. “Do you like to cook?” He seemed at home in the space and very confident in what he was doing.
“When my wife died, I threw myself into taking care of Hallie. I was always the one managing the business, and June was the one doing all the domestic tasks. One night, Hallie requested her favorite dish, Chinese Chicken is what she called it. I tried, but we ended up ordering takeout. I ruined several pans and almost burned the house down. I decided the next day that I was going to take cooking classes. I have staff who cook and clean regularly, but I wanted to be able to cook for my daughter when she requested it. No, I just find it relaxing.” Helifted the grill and flipped what looked like chicken. As he sliced up vegetables, he turned in my direction. “What about you? Do you enjoy cooking?”
I thought about it for a moment. I wasn’t sure how much I was ready to share. Issac seemed like he was genuinely interested in me, but I also didn’t want to scare him off. “When I have time, yes. Between dance classes and working, I don’t have a lot of time. My mom taught me the basics and I’ve kinda taught myself over the years.”
“Is your mom a good cook?” He smiled.
“The best. She’s passed down recipes to my sisters and me over the years. Some of them our kids enjoy, others they ask us not to make, but my mom is used to feeding a table full of farm hands, so she adapted things over the years.” I sipped the wine as he checked something in the oven. “My ex-husband never really appreciated everything I did and would often complain about anything and everything that he could blame on me. I don’t cook like I used to because of it, probably.”
I watched to see what his reaction would be. He didn’t falter. He didn’t even skip a beat. “Sounds like he didn’t know what he had.” He picked up two plates and began filling them with food. “A marriage is a partnership. He must have not wanted a partner.” He set a plate in front of me and then removed his apron before sitting down.
“This looks delicious.” I placed my napkin in my lap.
“Thank you.” He smiled softly as he cut into his chicken.
I wasn’t sure how much I wanted to talk about Charlie. Those close to me knew the story, and it really wasn’t the rest of the world’s business. “So, Amy tells me you have a horse that’s pregnant? That sounds exciting.” I changed the subject.
