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Dad looked over his shoulder. “You don’t count, you’re here nearly every week.” He grabbed the tray and walked it to the table.
I covered it with some foil and sat down next to Mike. He smiled at me but then turned his face back to the table. He was so tense. While I felt bad, it was cute. Dad still intimidated him. My dad, who was about half his size.
Reaching behind me, I opened the cooler and fished out some waters. “Here ya go.”
“Thanks. I should be getting that for you,” Mike said as his eyes darted between me and my dad.
“Old habits die hard.”
“Jazzy, how are things at the hospital?” Dad stood, swiping his carving knife over the sharpening steel. Mike was intently watching each pull across the long rod.
“Good. It’s a lot to take in.”
“Mike, how are you settling into being back home?” Uncle Len asked.
“Very well, sir.” His shoulders loosened a bit, and he grinned over at me. “It’s good to be home.”
The back door opened and the kids and the other women all flooded through, breaking up the soft look between us. I stood to go back in and be sure nothing else was needed for dinner.
“Jazzy, we got it all. Can you just sit and relax for once?” Aunt Belle asked with an annoyed tone.
I put my palms up in surrender and sat back down. “Just trying to help.”
“Enjoy it, the new will wear off soon. Happened after I had my kids,” D said as she placed paper plates and cutlery on the table.
Aunt Belle rolled her eyes. “Well of course we let you take care of the babies, but they’re not babies anymore. You can pitch in.”
“Jaz didn’t have babies,” D said under her breath. My heart raced, but I tried to keep my face relaxed.
“Ladies, let’s have a nice meal. We have a guest,” Dad chimed in. “And Jazzy always helps everyone without being asked. This one time is okay.” He shot me a wink. He always could sense my unease, but he didn’t know what it was about this time.
The rest of dinner was jovial, loud, and cozy. Mike answered lots of questions about California, football, and work. The kids were enamored with him but acted shy, giggling and sharing silly glances between each other.
Mike grinned at the kids, then looked up across the table. “Oh Belle, that potato salad is delicious. I’d ask for the recipe, but my mother doesn’t share so I don’t know if you will.”
Aunt Belle preened and batted her eyes, Uncle Len rolled his. “Oh honey, thank you so much. I’ll write it down for Jaz, but we don’t really measure with cups and spoons, we measure with our heart.”
“As it should be, thisisthe South,” he replied with a wink. “I actually want to try my hand at it. I enjoy cooking and Jaz is always doing so much.”
His words sent flutters to my chest. I was used to taking care of myself, and of others. The idea of someone doing things for me was odd, but also…nice.
As the plates ran empty, I stood to start clearing them away, so Onyx jumped up to help. Mike stood as well, and I tried to wave him off. “Sit, relax.”
He shook his head. “I can help. You don’t have to do it all, you know?”
He wasn’t going to give in, and I caught Dad giving a slight nod of approval, so I let him help. Onyx and I gathered the plates and serving bowls for the sides, and Mike grabbed the meat tray. D jumped up and picked up a few things then ran to grab the door for us.
We all worked fast to put leftovers away and clean up.
Mom came in and tried to help with dishes, but Mike was quick to gently bump her out of the way. “Now Mike,youare the guest. Are y’all taking some of this food home?”
Before I could make an excuse, Mike jumped in. “Well, I’d love to, but we promised my buddy we’d stop by there after this. It’s so hot out, I’m afraid it would go bad in the car.” He briefly stopped washing the tray he was cleaning. “We’re meeting him at his club.”
“Oh, I know Jason, honey. Always such a dear to Jaz.”
“Of course. I forget everyone knows everyone.”
“Well, you’ve been gone a while,” Mom said as she patted his arm.
