Page 63 of Family Bonds- Kelsey & Van

“Someone has a boyfriend.”

Kelsey looked at Kara who stopped to stand in her doorway with a vase of colorful flowers.

“I guess so,” she said, leaning back smirking.

“These are for you,” Kara said.

“As I said, I guess so.”

Kara put a silly pout on her face. “How come we didn’t know that? And how long has it been going on?”

“It’s been about a month give or take,” she said. She stood up to go toward the flowers. What a sweet thing for Van to do and totally unlike him. “I don’t make a habit of announcing it.”

“What dating site did you meet him on?” Kara asked. This was what she got for always talking about her shitty adventures in the dating world with some single coworkers.

“Actually,” she said. “I met him the old-fashioned way.”

“She called nine-one-one for help with Frankie,” her mother said, coming close by. “And then ran into the operator not much later who recognized the name.”

“Well, Mom,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “If you’re going to tell the story for me, make sure it’s right. Van was out jogging bright and early and Frankie took off running. I chased after him down the street barefoot shouting his name and my adorable little puppy ran into the arms of my now hot sexy boyfriend.”

“I would have left out hot and sexy,” her mother said, rolling her eyes.

“You better have. You’ve only got eyes for Dad and don’t tell me he’s hot and sexy. I don’t need to gag after lunch.”

“Don’t be a brat,” her mother said. “When you’ve been married as long as me I hope you think your husband is still hot and sexy.”

“Well now,” Kara said. “Let’s see what this hottie says on his card.”

Kelsey took the vase out of Kara’s hand and put it on her desk, lifted the little card and read it, then frowned.

“What’s wrong?” her mother asked.

“I have no idea who these are from,” she said.

Her mother took it out of her hand and read, “Can’t wait to meet you. That’s weird,” her mother said. “Are you still on your dating sites?”

“No! Once I went on the second date with Van I just knew he was it and deactivated them. Last week I took them all down permanently. I mean it’s not like anyone could have seen them once they’re deactivated. I have no idea who this could be.”

“A secret admirer,” Kara said.

“Obviously, but I don’t want that. It’s kind of creepy.”

“I don’t like this,” her mother said. “Are you going to tell Van?”

“Of course I am,” she said, then stopped to think. “Maybe not. He might get all macho about it.”

“As he should,” his mother said.

“Yeah, but considering what he used to do for a living, I’m not sure I want him worked up and all in my business.”

“Kelsey,” her mother said firmly. “If you don’t tell Van then I’m telling your father and you know what could happenthen.”

That might be worse. Her father would be calling Mac Bond, chief of police, followed by Griffin to do some checking.

“Don’t,” she said. “I’ll deal with it. I’ll call the florist and see if I can get any information.”

“Smart,” her mother said. “And still tell Van.”

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