Page 21 of Fall With Me
“What’s your favorite kind, Finn?” I ask. I like veggie or barbeque chicken, but I don’t think Finn’s answer will be either of them.
“Pepperoni!”
Figures. “Sounds yummy,” I say, though I’m totally getting myself the kind I prefer. “Carter! Kate!” I holler. “Lunch time!”
The two climb down from the ladders they’re using, huge smiles on their faces. I’m in awe of how Kate can get Carter to smile like that.
“What are we having?” Kate asks, coming to where Finn, Dawson, and I are standing, draping an arm around my shoulder.
“Pepperoni pizza!” Finn says excitedly.
“Sounds delicious!” Kate says. “Where from? Are we ordering in?” She makes eye contact with each adult, waiting for an answer.
“I haven’t been to The Pie in a really long time,” Dawson says, shrugging. “Anyone up for that?”
“I don’t have time.” Carter shakes his head. “Let’s order delivery from Papa John’s and then we can do The Pie for lunch during the week.”
“Sounds great to me,” Dawson says. “Does anyone want anything besides pepperoni? I lost the bet today, so I’ll pay for the pizza.”
Carter puts his hand up. “This is a work function. I’ll buy.”
“Are you sure? I really don’t mind.”
“I appreciate the offer, Dawson, but this one is on me.”
“Great!” I say, interrupting before either man can reiterate who is covering the bill. I don’t care, but we need to get Finn food before his complaints grow as loud as a crowd at a football game. I pull out my phone, “I have the website pulled up. One pepperoni, a veggie, and a combo?”
“A side salad and breadsticks too,” Carter says.
“You got it.” I enter in all the necessary info then hand my twin my phone to put in his credit card number.
“It will be here in thirty minutes.” Carter hands me my cell. “Should we slice up a few of these apples while we wait?”
“If we’re planning on serving these at the festival, we definitely need to taste test them first.”
“Great idea,” Dawson says.” I’m sure Finn would appreciate eating something now as well.”
We all head inside, snacking on apples while we wait for the pizzas. After lunch, we move the baskets down to Grammy and Papa’s under-porch storage to keep them cold until we’re ready to use them. Kate, Dawson, and Finn say their goodbyes then Carter and I get ready for dinner with Grammy and Papa.
I happily check off picking apples on my festival To-Do List.
Next up: finalizing the venue.
Chapter 10
Dawson
I’ve created a monster. Finn loves, and I meanloves, The Pie. We’ve eaten here three times this week. Making somewhat balanced meals is a priority for me, but work is like raking leaves in a windstorm. I’ve gone nonstop, and no matter how hard I try, it’s never ending. I can’t keep up, and cooking is the last thing I’ve wanted to do.
Finn and I sit in the front corner of the restaurant at five on Friday night. I purposely chose an earlier time to beat the weekend college crowd. We’re waiting for Chloe to arrive. This was the only way we could find time to discuss food for the festival. I’m grateful Chloe’s willing to meet with me around my schedule.
Glancing around, I stare at the thousands of names covering the brick walls written in every color of sharpie. Neon-red and stained glass light fixtures hang from the ceiling, creating an old-school underground club vibe. Music plays overhead and the TVs in the corners of the room are running football highlights.
Finn’s telling me about a new game his friends are playing at recess. Chloe walks in the front door. She looks amazing in tight jeans and a rust-colored shirt.
I do something I’m constantly asking Finn not to do to me—interrupt him mid-sentence. “Chloe’s here. Would you like to bring her to the table?”
Finn’s eyes glow when he spots Chloe. I think he’s found a new friend.
