Page 34 of Vicious Cycle
At her question, Deacon’s gruff expression momentarily softened. “Yeah, you did good, kid. Now go take your plate and rinse it off.”
As Willow started for the sink, my gaze locked on Deacon’s.
“I know I may have seemed…a little harsh about her eating, but she was pretty malnourished when she came here.”
Knowing the situation Willow lived in with her mother, I wasn’t too surprised by that information. “I agree that she needs to eat her vegetables, and she needs to show you respect. My father asked the same thing of me when I was Willow’s age.” I offered him a smile. “I think maybe your delivery could use just a bit of work, but other than that, you’re doing very well.”
A smirk curved across his lips. “Thank you, Miss Evans.”
“You’re welcome.”
Liz rose from her seat. “All right boys, it’s time to clean up.”
A chorus of groans echoed around the table. “At least let me do the dishes since you were so kind to invite me to dinner.”
Liz smiled. “And deprive my sons of the task?”
I laughed at Bishop’s aggravated grunt and Deacon’s roll of his eyes. “No, I wouldn’t want to do that at all.”
“You gonna read me my bedtime story, Deacon?” Willow asked.
My eyes popped wide. “Youread Willow bedtime stories?”
While Bishop snorted behind his napkin, Deacon crossed his tattooed arms over his chest. “Why is that so shocking, Ms. Evans?”
Oh God. What had come over me to totally stereotype Deacon, not to mention belittling him as a father.
With my embarrassment scalding my cheeks, I replied, “It’s not.”
“Your response would say otherwise.”
Desperately trying to get myself out of the situation, I quickly replied, “I was just surprised you took the time. It’s truly impressive. Most of my students’ read with their mothers instead of the fathers.”
When I realized I’d mentioned mothers in front of Willow, I shot out of my seat. “I, uh, well, I better go.”
“What’s your rush?” Rev questioned.
“I really need to get home.” Turning to Liz, I said. “Thank you again for dinner.”
“You’re more than welcome. Feel free to join us anytime. You have a standing invitation every night,” she said.
“That’s very sweet of you.”
As I started to the foyer, Rev suggested, “At least let one of us walk you to your car.”
Before I could reply, Deacon stepped in front of me. “I’ll do it.”
I tried ignoring the disappointment that flashed on Rev’s face while also hiding my surprise at Deacon’s uncharacteristically thoughtful gesture. “Um, thank you,” I mumbled, as I followed him out the door.
When we got outside onto the porch, the flame from Deacon’s cigarette lighter lit the way for us in the dark. The sound of his boots clomping across the floorboards filled the silence between us. After we pounded down the stairs, Deacon turned to me. “You know you should really go for Rev.”
“Excuse me?” I questioned in disbelief.
Deacon took a long drag on his cigarette. “He’s into you—I can tell.”
Cocking my head, I eyed him curiously. “Then why didn’t you let him walk me to my car?”
“Because I know him.
