Page 38 of Sean
Sean’s response was almost a growl.“Fine.But we’re taking my car.I didn’t enjoy double-dating with Benjamin when we were teenagers, and I’m not going to start now.I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”
The phone went dead in Monica’s hand, but she didn’t care.They kept calling their outingsdates.Maybe tonight was the night it was actually true.
***
IT’S NOT A DATE.IT’Snot a date.It’s not a date.
The words had become Sean’s mantra throughout the course of the day.He put his hands on the edge of the sink and frowned into the mirror over his bathroom vanity as a little voice that sounded a lot like Benjamin’s whispered in his ear.
Then why are you taking such care with getting ready?You trimmed your beard, you brushed your teeth, and you don’t have a single hair out of place.
“Because I’m human.A man who was taught to take pride in his appearance regardless of the circumstances.”
Let me know how that’s working for you.
He turned on the water to clean the sink, hoping that the noise would drown out the insistent voice.It’s not a date, it’s revenge.And even if he took the revenge part out of it, it still wasn’t a date.A man could be friends with a woman with no romance involved.A man could have dinner with a woman simply because he enjoyed her company.
That’s all this was.
He headed down the hall.When he reached the living room, he couldn’t help but pause in the doorway and watch in stunned silence.His father, a man who’d invested more time in his ministry than his growing sons, stood with Jace while children’s music filled the room.Together they shook their booties, clapped their hands, and turned in circles.Even with little more than a week on his feet, Jace was the better dancer, but Sean gave his father points for trying.
When the music ended, both of the dancers collapsed into a heap on the floor.Sean advanced into the room and applauded.“Can we do a replay?I’d love to get that on video.I think your congregation would enjoy seeing a different side of you.”
“I think that’s the dozenth time we’ve danced to that same song.I’m done.”Dad’s voice was breathless from exertion.
But the music started over, and Jace jumped to his feet, pulling at his grandfather’s hand.
Instead of meeting the challenge, Dad bundled his grandson close and rolled him to the ground.
“I’m done, I tell you.I’m done.”He lifted the little boy’s shirt and rubbed his five o’clock shadow on Jace’s bare belly.The laughter in the room was louder than the music.
Dad sat up and helped the toddler to his feet.“Why don’t you go find your nana?She said something about an early dinner.”As Jace disappeared into the kitchen, jabbering for all he was worth, Sean’s dad got to his feet.“I don’t know where that boy gets his energy.Between him and following your mother around the mall later, I might not survive the day.”When he looked up after straightening his shirt, his eyebrows rose.“You look nice.”
“Thanks.And thanks for watching Jace again tonight.I feel like I’m taking horrible advantage of you guys.”
Dad brushed the words aside.“You’re not taking advantage.We love hanging out with him.”
“OK.I’m going to sneak out while he’s occupied with Mom.Sometimes he gets a little whiny if he sees me leave.I won’t be late.”Sean reached for the doorknob.
“Enjoy your date.Monica’s a lovely girl.”
Sean’s shoulders drew up around his ears at his father’s words and his mantra replayed in his head.
It’s not a date.It’s not a date.It’s not a date.
***
“OH, IT’S BEAUTIFUL,” Monica said as they turned into the parking lot at Oakleigh’s.She’d never been inside the restaurant, but she’d passed it many times.Tonight, it was lit up with green and red lights that twinkled in the windows and around the doors.There was some sort of pattern to the lights and she almost felt as if she should try to name that tune.
She faced Sean as he parked the car.“I can’t wait to see what it looks like on the inside.”
“Well, let’s go see.”
Monica was still sorting out the date-that-wasn’t-a-date etiquette, so she didn’t wait for him to open her door.She was outside by the time he came around.
“I would have gotten that for you.”
“I’m just excited.I’ve heard their food is amazing.”
