Page 6 of Holiday Hopefuls
“Joanna wanted to take her shopping for clothes,” he shrugs. From the relief written on his face, John is more than happyto let his sister-in-law take on that particular experience. It’s just as well—Cici’s outfits typically look as though they were put together by a colorblind person.
It’s safe to say that John isn’t the most fashionable man. He’d probably see clients in sweats, if it were left up to him.
In fact, I think Rindy does most of his shopping. That woman and her wife have done enough shopping for Methuselah’s lifetime.
“So, Jo and Rindy picked her up from school today. The shopping commences in the morning,” he finishes.
“And tonight?”
“An over-the-top slumber party, complete with movies and all the ice cream she can handle.”
“I’m sure there will be every other sweet treat imaginable available, too,” I grin. Joanna has quite the sweet tooth.
“Don’t I know it.” Smiling, John shakes his head. “You know, I may never know why Angela left us, but I do know I’m thankful every single day that she didn’t take Cici with her.”
Swallowing, I nod. For the past four years, this time of year has been nothing short of difficult for my best friend. Tackling the mouthwatering pizza dip between us, I allow John the few moments I know he’ll need after mentioning his ex-wife.
Just as the folk duo switches songs, John clears his throat. “Are Marshall and Sandra at least giving Blythe the same kind of grief?”
I snort, rolling my eyes. “Are you kidding? She’s perfect in their eyes.”
“And yours.”
Shrugging, I grin. I may be biased, but Blythe’s a pretty awesome sister. And in my line of work, I see plenty of family dynamics.
“You know”—John takes a drink from his frosted glass—“I don’t mean to sound like your parents.”
“Oh, this is gonna be good.”
“But I think you’d be a great dad,” he finishes.
“Aw, come on,” I plead. “At least let me get through one drink before you start agreeing with my parents.”
John laughs, slapping the table. “You know, I think Ci’s teacher is single. She’s pretty, kind, intelligent.”
“Then why don’t you go out with her?” I quirk a dark blond brow at my friend.
John peers at me over his nearly empty glass. “Because I’m not interested in her like that.”
Having seen my friend’s waning glass, a server brings over two more.
“I dunno,” I swirl the drink, pretending to be puzzled. “Sounds like she might be a catch. Maybe you should think about it.”
John shakes his head. “It’s still too soon, man.”
“What if the right person came along?”
Crossing his arms, my friend looks over at the band. “Then, maybe. Cici needs someone else she can count on, don’t get me wrong. But I’ll know them when I meet them.”
With this man’s reluctance, I’m honestly surprised Rindy hasn’t kicked him into next week. But then, even his sister knows when to back off, I guess.
Not that she ever has with anyone else.
But like Blythe and I, those two grew up close and managed to stay that way. It was even Rindy’s idea to open a practice together. Only a couple of years older, she had already been practicing. Specializing in marriage counseling, Rindy had no trouble finding a group to take her on once she graduated. It was when they told her there was no room to hire John too that she approached us about opening the practice together.
With my parents fully settled here, and Blythe back from school and opening her studio a couple years ago, there’s never been any reason to move anywhere else.
By the time we’re on our third glass of water and second plate of wings, John has his phone out and is creating a list of all the reasons I need to get married. Granted we only have four, so far.
