Page 68 of The Persistence of Thornes
His expression softens. “I’m sure they’re fine, but you could call and check in if it’d make you feel better. Or I can text Thelma?”
I straighten. “You would do that?”
With a shrug, he pulls his phone out of his pocket. “If it would put you at ease, then yeah.”
“Yes, please. If I check in on them, the boys will think I don’t trust them.”
And to be honest, I don’t. Not after their school shenanigans. But if I know them, smothering them will do me no favors.
Caleb types out a text, his fingers moving quickly across the screen, then sets the phone on the table in front of him.
“I know you’re probably feeling anxious after the school ordeal?—”
A humorless laugh bubbles out of me. “You have no idea.”
“But they’re good kids,” he goes on. “I hope you know that.”
Elbow on the table, I rest my chin on my palm. This is the farthest thing from typical first-date conversation, but we know each other already, so I suppose it makes sense that we’ve skipped over most of the awkwardness of getting to know each other.
He’s right. Theyaregood kids, but good kids still do stupid shit. Maybe this is an inevitable part of growing up, but I can’t help but worry that with the role models they’ve had so far, they’ll take those things too far.
“They are,” I agree, reaching for my glass and take a sip.
“I know what they did with the paint.”
I nearly choke on my water. “Excuse me?” I sputter and cough, spraying droplets across the table.
If Caleb is bothered by the mess,he doesn’t show it.
“How do you know?”
With a shrug, he picks up his own drink. “When I asked Thelma and Cynthia about keeping the boys tonight, I noticed the art supplies were there. Apparently Thelma mentioned that she used to paint and was considering doing it again but didn’t have the materials. Then your brothers showed up with everything she needs.” His lips twitch like he’s fighting a smile. “There’s no way she hasn’t noticed the labels on every piece that make it obvious they belong to the school. Frankly, I think Thelma would do the same thing, given the opportunity.”
Head ducked, I give it a shake. “I don’t know whether to be angry about the stealing or glad that they have no nefarious plans for the paint.”
His responding chuckle is more like a low rumble. “Personally, I think it’s sweet. You don’t often see teenagers taking an interest in the older generation, but it’s obvious that your brothers like Thelma and Cynthia.”
“It is sweet, isn’t it?” My shoulders sag a little in relief, though the sensation is quickly replaced with dread. “Ugh, this means I’m going to have to ask for the supplies back and drag the boys’ butts up to the school to apologize.”
Our server appears then, but rather than drop off our meals, she sets an order of the most delicious-looking mozzarella sticks I’ve ever seen in front of us.
“Thanks so much.” Caleb picks one up as she gives us each a polite smile and walks away. With a heavy hand, he dips the cheese stick in the marinara sauce and holds it aloft. “You don’t have to.”
I huff. Don’t have to what? Return the supplies? “Caleb.” His name comes out as a scandalized scoff. “You’re a lawyer. You’re supposed to uphold the law.”
He shrugs as he takes a bite. “Technically,” he says when his mouth is no longer full, “they didn’t break any laws, since the school didn’t report it stolen.”
“Stop encouraging this,” I groan, burying my face in my hands.
Not even the temptation of the cheesy fried goodness can stop me from spiraling over the embarrassment that will surely come with speaking to the principal again. But I’m the adult, the parental figure, and it’s the right thing to do.
“I’ll take them to school after their suspension is over and make them return it.” With a nod of determination, I finally pick up one of the sticks.
Caleb arches a brow. “Didn’t say you could touch my stick, Hal.”
I drop the mozzarella stick instantly, and it rolls across the plate. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve asked. I shouldn’t have assumed. I?—”
“Whoa.” He wipes his fingers on a napkin and holds his hands up. “I was just kidding, Halle. I got them for both of us. Fuck.” Head dropped, he practically growls. “I should’ve realized how you would interpret that.”
