Page 64 of The Leaves In Autumn
That starts a whole discussion about how being with someone requires putting them first. Not always, but regularly.
“Your father was a master at it.”
“It happens easily, when you are really in it for good.”
“I think Layla has taught Van that very thing.”
“I do too. It wasn’t his strong suit before they met.”
As Gaston begins to tell funny stories of Van’s previous relationships, I catch Dove looking at me.
“What?” I say leaning in.
“Remind me to tell you about something I saw. Later.”
When Dove says she “saw” something, it is not in the usual way. There isn’t a person here that doesn’t believe she has some psychic ability. It doesn’t happen often, but we pay attention.
“No. Tell me now.”
“Too many people. Call me tonight. I’ll be home by nine.”
I take the instruction, but as I look up, Aargon is watching. Listening.
“Pass the mushrooms, please.”
“Are we having game night Friday?”
“We’re pushing it a couple of weeks, so the honeymooners can participate.”
“Good. We can hear all about their trip. Who’s hosting this time?”
“We are,” Scarlett says.
Gaston gets a mischievous expression, eyebrows raised.
“The boys have come up with some game they want us to play. They haven’t said more, so don’t ask me.”
“Uh oh.”
Aargon raises a hand. “Fair warning. Teddy is going to be filming. If anyone objects, let him know.”
“We’re going to be celebrities,” Gaston laughs.
“You sound like my son.”
“Thank you. I have retained a certain youthfulness.”
“So true.” Aurora winks.
It takes everything in me to wait till the brunch is over, the last dish washed, to press my case. Finally, Argon takes off for home. I was afraid Dove and Nobel would leave first. The gods were with me. Now I can make my move.
“Dove, can you come out to the car with me for a minute? Layla gave me some sort of a guest list to give you. Think it’s for the charity event you’re having next month.”
What a bullshitter I am. I fooled only the ones I aimed to. Dove understands exactly what I am doing.
“Oh, she mentioned that,” she lies.
I lead the way out, and she follows.
