Page 26 of Two Canes, One Cup
“Thank you, both.” Her beaming smile is a reward in itself.
The food finishes cooking before her water reaches a boil, and we all find ourselves slipping into the same easy banter that we had yesterday.
She makes us both so comfortable, curled up in her chair, sipping a hot toddy.
Before I realize it, she has us sharing stories about our childhood, our parents, and the trouble we got into as teens.
I’m still careful to steer the conversation away from what we do now.
It’s too enjoyable talking as peers. If she knew how much money was sitting here with her, it might change how she acts.
“I love the fact you’ve been friends your whole lives. I met Amy when I was in college. She’s off on her own magical weekend trip. I think she’s going to get engaged. Have either of you been married before?” Her blue eyes focus first on Reece, then on me.
He groans. “Yea, for about three years. I guess you could say it was a lifestyle change. We just drifted apart after her third DUI.”
“Oh my gosh. I can see how that would be hard to work around.” Her fingers cover her mouth. “Where is she now?”
“She remarried. Has two kids. I think?” He shakes his head. “She didn’t want any with me, so I suppose it wasn’t the right time.”
Pink tinges her cheeks. “That’s awful. I bet you’d make a great father.”
I catch him shifting in his chair to adjust himself.
“I want a ton of kids,” he says pointedly.
Am I missing something?
“What about you?” Her crystal blue gaze turns to me, burning through the walls I’ve carefully erected.
“My ex ran off with an actor.” I shrug. “Last I heard, she still didn’t want any children.”
“Do you, though?” Again, she bores into me like she’s reading the truth etched into my soul.
My throat tightens involuntarily, causing me to simply nod.
The very corner of her mouth rises. “I bet you’d be the stern daddy who secretly buys them all the best toys.”
Daddy.
I want her to say it again.
My jaw tics in silence.
When she looks away, the room seems to cool several degrees.
“I think my water’s ready.” She pushes the blanket from her knees, then her hand drifts over my shoulder, sending a tingle of electricity through me as she moves past.
Disappearing into the bathroom, I can hear her messing with the tub.
Reece pops up. “We each get two.” He points to the full pots next to the stove.
How has she trained us this quickly?
I can’t sleep on this damn thing. Not knowing she’s inmy bedonly a few feet away.
It was a surprise to Reece and I when she opted to go in there.
He seemed so sure that she’d crawl in with him.
