Page 157 of Love in Riverbend
“Deal.”
We turn as Jack’s truck is approaching the garages.
“Does Dad know?” Ricky asks quietly.
“Devan said Janet told him.” I stand tall, my hands clasped behind me, and wait as Jack Dunn steps out of his truck.
“Justin.” He nods. “Ricky, I think dinner’s waiting.” And he walks past us.
When I let out the breath I am holding, Ricky laughs. “Seems like we’re both going to hold onto that punch option for later.” He turns and looks at me. “Where’s your softball shirt?”
“In the wash.”
Ricky laughs louder. “It was stuffed in your ball bag.”
“No,” I lie. It was in my bag. Even the bag is airing out. I eye Ricky up and down. “I just wanted it less wrinkled, so I wouldn’t look all shitty like you.”
“So that’s how it’s going to be. Making yourself look good for my sister?”
“Yeah,” I say with a nod.
“Good. She deserves that much.” He slaps my shoulder. “Let’s eat.”
Devan’s smile is radiant as Ricky and I enter the kitchen. The seating chart from the other night has changed. Jack is still at one end and Ricky is at the other. This time, Janet is alone, and I’m seated beside Devan.
“Everything good?” Jack asks as he leans back and places a napkin on his lap.
My gaze goes to Devan’s smile and back to Mr. Dunn. “Very good, sir.”
Jack shakes his head. “Don’t be getting all formal on us, Justin. My name’s Jack, same as it was yesterday and the day before.”
“Everything is very good, Jack.”
Soon, everyone is picking up serving dishes filled with roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and fruit, each person serving themselves and passing the dish to the next person. As it was with the chili, the meal is delicious. Even when Ricky complains about the potatoes having lumps, I’m too busy shoveling food in my mouth to notice. Watching Devan, I’m again noticing how she’s not afraid to eat in front of me, and I know it’s one of the things I’m starting to love about her.
Like about her.
Definitely like.
“I have cherry pie,” Janet says as we start to slow the intake of dinner.
Shaking my head, I say, “I won’t be able to run the bases if I eat any more.”
“I can send a piece home with you. I picked it up today at Quintessential Treasures. Kandace is opening a section to fresh, home-baked items. It’s supposed to be Thursday through Saturday, but when I stopped by this afternoon, she said she was already almost sold out. I had the choice of cherry or rhubarb.”
I reply, “As long as Kandace didn’t bake them, either one is probably good.”
Everyone laughs.
Tonight, everyone pitches in clearing the table, the way it has always been at my house. Despite the rocky start, the Dunns make me feel comfortable, just like they always have, as if I’m a part of their family.
A quick look at the clock tells me I need to get moving for the game. My first stop is home, hoping Mom moved the shirt from the washer to the dryer.
“I’ll walk you to your truck,” Devan says, reaching for my hand.
After saying good night to her parents, the two of us go outside, hand in hand. When we stop, Devan is absolutely beaming. Her smile takes my breath away, and the gleam in her chocolate eyes makes me not want to look away.
“I’m so happy,” she says.
