Page 60 of Get Lost with You
Levi had never spent much time around kids. In the last five years of his career, as he busted his ass to climb the ladder, he hadn’t spent much time around anyone who wasn’t in his kitchen. Spending time with Ollie and the other kids was eye-opening. What really impressed him was the parents, the teacher, and Jilly, and how they just seemed to know when to shift activities, how to redirect a kid who looked like they might pitch a full-blown fit, and how they resolved petty conflicts as if what the kids were arguing over made any sense at all.
By the time his dad and Lainey showed up to the island with Beckett, Levi was exhausted. Jilly walked beside him, like not sleeping all night and wrangling dozens of people were no big deal.
He covered a yawn and Jilly laughed. “I’d like to believe I’m the reason you’re that tired, but I think it’s because of the kids.”
Said kids were running toward the water, where the other adults were helping unload the boat.
Levi looked down at her, touching his hand to the small of her back. “They never get tired.”
Jilly leaned her head toward him. “It does seem unfair that they get the lion’s share of energy, doesn’t it?”
Beckett put a hand out to help Levi’s dad onto the dock. Levi’sjaw clenched. Even if he were standing right beside him, he didn’t know if his dad would accept his help.
“You okay?” Jilly stopped, put a hand on his arm.
“I don’t know how to fix anything.”
Her gaze shone with empathy. He liked that she didn’t offer platitudes. Instead, she reached up, kissed his cheek, and nudged him forward.
Lainey was an immediate hit, with both arms bedazzled in gorgeous bracelets. He should talk to her about buying one for Jilly.
Everyone said their hellos, the other parents joined, and introductions were made. They had about an hour and a half left before lunch, then they’d head back to Smile. Levi didn’t know if ninety minutes could make a difference, especially since he needed to duck out in about forty-five to get lunch ready, but he was willing to try.
“Dad,” Levi said. “How are you feeling?”
Conversations and laughter crisscrossed over as everyone wandered back to the lodge, including Levi and his dad.
“Doing pretty good, I think.” His dad’s gait beside him was back to normal, no more shuffling or wincing, so that was good news. “I’ve been following doctor’s orders. Easier than listening to your mother worry.”
Levi laughed, because he wasn’t wrong.
“It’s nice that you came over to do this today,” Levi said. He ran a hand through his hair, staring straight ahead, focusing on Jillian’s back to center himself. To remind himself that he could do this.
“Your mother said you need some furniture,” his dad said.
Levi glanced over. “Not a lot. I don’t think I’ll stay at Pete’s long.” Before his dad could add a snide remark, he continued. “Iwas thinking of renting an apartment. I got a loan. I’m going to pay for the food truck and I briefly wondered if I should put a down payment on a small house instead, but I can’t pay for it without the job.” He hadn’t meant to share all of that, but his father had a successful business and honestly, Levi could use some guidance.
His dad gave a gruff half-laugh. Or it might have been a heavy exhale. But it wasn’t dismissal, so Levi was cautiously optimistic.
“If you got a loan, you obviously have your paperwork in order. Do what you intended. The rest will come in time. Doesn’t have to all happen now.”
As they approached the long folding tables the adults had set up for stations, Levi wondered if his dad was talking about Levi’s future or their relationship.
“I’ll help you get set up and started, but then I need to get lunch ready,” Levi said, stopping before they reached the group.
His dad stopped as well, looked at him. “What does a fancy chef like you make a bunch of little kids?”
Levi laughed and chose to push away the voice on his shoulder saying his dad was judging him. “Actually, I’m fancying up good old-fashioned hot dogs.”
His dad’s scowl said it all. “Nothing like a perfectly roasted hot dog. You shouldn’t mess with some things.”
Maybe not, but being with the kids for three meals was giving him an opportunity to try out some new items to see how they went over with this age group.
“Don’t worry. There’ll be old-fashioned dogs with nothing but mustard and ketchup,” Levi said.
In front of them, Jilly and the parents were splitting the kids into groups.
“With caramelized onions,” his dad said, a shadow of a smile on his face.
