Page 66 of Embers Glow After the Fire

“He’s worried about Robbie. He thinks he’s ruined all our lives.”

”That would take a hell of a lot more than the death of an abusive psychopath.” Perry quips.

Matthew curls his shoulders.

”He gets me to talk about Adam a lot.”

“Ahh.” Perry wings a brow.

Weston places their salads in front of them. “Enjoy gentlemen. I’ll check back in just a bit.” He floats away as stealthy as he arrived.

Matthew mirrors the raised brow with a curious tilt of the head.

“He’s comparing himself.” Perry pokes at his salad. “To see if he measures up to Adam.”

“Hmm.” Matthew hadn’t thought about it that way. “Shit—You’re right.” The obvious clarification sheds a disheartening spotlight on their conversations.

They both get quiet while they devour signature salads and sip sweet teas.

“I really like him.” Matthew confesses, as they both finish up.

“I know.” Perry signals at Weston they’re ready for the check. “I could see that from the moment you laid eyes on him.”

Weston prances up to the table and presents the digital tablet from his pocket. Perry taps the screen with his card to pay the bill and Matthew insists on covering the tip.

“I asked you to lunch.” Perry protests. “I might as well spend this money while I’m still here. There aren’t children or a husband to leave it to.”

“Daddy?” Matthew flutters his eyelashes and slaps two twenty dollar bills on the table for Weston.

“Shut up.” Perry snorts.

”Thank you for lunch.” Matthew shimmies out of the booth and spreads his arms, inviting Perry into a hug.

Perry grumbles the usual feigned disgust at affectionate exchanges but curls into the embrace, because he secretly savors it.

”Love you.” Matthew giggles. “I’ll see you at your party.” He follows Perry out the door.

“I look forward to the wet Calvins contest.” Perry winks.

They both chuckle and head in opposite directions on the sidewalk.

Matthew decides to pop into a favorite neighbor between the restaurant and the salon. The fostered puppies at Silly Paws Pet Shop always give him a little boost of serotonin when he’s needing it.

“Hey Matthew,” the short woman with overgrown tinsel sprinkled roots and crimson ends greets.

“Hey Becky.” He smiles and be-lines straight for the puppy pen at the back of the shop. He peeks over the brim at three little fur balls cuddled in a corner. Two black and white masses wrap around a little golden haired angel. He gasps and crouches, waking them from their naps.

The sleepy golden retriever yawns big and looks up at him with caramel eyes and sweeping lashes.

“Oh my god!.” He squiggles the top of its head with his finger tips.

“She just arrived today.” Becky squats next to him.

Matthew scoops the wriggly bundle into his arms and nuzzles her cheek. Her happy tail smacks at his belly and his chest feels full.

“She likes you.” Becky grins. “She’s been a shy little bugger with everyone else who’s walked in today.”

Matthew dangles the pup on outstretched arms and beams lovingly at her sweet face.

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