Page 14 of Stolen Kisses

We eagerly dig into our meals, enjoying the burst of flavors. I’m surprised and touched that hedidknow my favorite meal and that he went to the trouble of organizing it before we arrived. We talk about how the last week’s gone and Kenny excitedly tells him all about how we’re going to decorate her bedroom. I plan to get it done over the next couple of days, so she can be back in her newly-decorated bedroom before pre-kindergarten on Monday; I’m pleased she’s excited about her new space. She’s had to experience things that a little girl her age should never have to experience. From here on out, she’s only going to have happy, positive experiences if I can help it.

Once we’ve finished our meal, Kathleen returns to take our dishes and I feel full to bursting. Dad tells us about some of the celebrities that dine here on occasion, including local singer-songwriter, Toby Summer.

“Ah, Thomas, come and meet my son, Theo.”

Thomas places three plates of what looks and smells a lot like my favorite dessert on the table in front of each of us, before reaching his hand forward. We shake in greeting.

“Hey, Theo. It’s great to put a face to the name. Your father talks about you all the time.”

“Nice to meet you too, Thomas. The meal was amazing.”

“Thomas has been working here for the past five years. I think he’s one of my best employees.” Dad gushes. He clearly has a lot of respect for the man because he’s not usually so forthcoming with compliments.

“I love working here. It’s like being part of a family.”

I’m glad he feels that way because I don’t. Although, if I stop and think about our evening, I’ve felt relaxed and welcome throughout the entire meal. Dad’s been more than interested in what’s happening in my life and I don’t think it’s just because I’ve got Kenny to care for now. I get the distinct feeling he’s happy to have me home.

“Your father asked me to make you a traditional honey cake for dessert. I hope you enjoy it.”

“Thank you. It’s my favorite dessert.”

He nods slightly, thenmesses up Kenny’shair, knocking her unicorn headband off-center before excusing himself back to the kitchen. Kenny makes a big fuss about smoothing it out, butreallyit’s a lost cause.

“Thanks for all this, Dad. The meal’s been delicious and it’s been nice to catch up properly.” We haven’t really had a chance to catch up over this last week. I’ve been trying to get Kenny and me settled as quickly as possible and I wanted time to get to know her without any interruptions.

“My pleasure, Son. It’s great to have you home.” His voice is watery as he reaches across the table to pat my hand, his eyes glossy.

“It’s great to be home.” And I realize for the first time in a long time that I’ve missed my family, my home. I think it’ll be good to reconnect with Dad and create new memories with him and Kenny.

I take my first bite of honey cake in years and revel in the delicious cinnamon, orange, and honey flavors. “Mmmm, this is as good as I remember.” Mom used to make this cake for me as a treat now and then and it was always my pick for my birthday cake.

“Your Mom always made sure she had the ingredients on hand when it was coming up to your birthday because she knew without a doubt that you would request it.” A pang hits my chest at the memory of Mom in the kitchen baking my favorite cake for me every year until she got too sick to even get out of bed.

Kenny’s wriggling in her chair, playing with the salt and pepper shakers now thefood’sdone. I take that as my cue to get us home for the night before she gets too bored and silly. We say our goodbyes to Dad and head home for the night, ready to paint and wallpaper at the crack of dawn tomorrow.

–emma–

“Thanks for coming over this afternoon to fix my lawnmower. I really appreciate it.” I embrace my brother in thanks. “And for helping to get the boys to bed.”

“No problem. I enjoy spending time withmy nephews.”

“So, is it still okay to bring the boys around on Saturday to see your new project?” I want to check that our plans haven’t changed. Mona wasn’t happy about Max being in the workshop on Saturday morning.

“Of course. I’ll be working just the same as I always do. Bring them by whenever you want.” He gives me one last hug, before climbing into his car.

I move closer to the open door. “Okay. My friend, Kate, has her house warming party in the afternoon, so we’ll come over before that.”

“Sure. Bye, Sis.” He starts his car and pulls out just as my sexy neighbor pulls into his driveway.

I look down at myself, realizing I’m still in the same clothes I was wearing this afternoon. The same ones I was wearing when I cut my grass. Idiscreetlysniff my armpit and I realize it’s not great. He gets out of his car and as he comes around to my side, the streetlight illuminates him. Ripped jeans hug muscular thighs and a dark button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves shows off a trim torso. I mean, Ihaveseen him naked, even if it was from a distance; but in clothes, he looks sensational. He looks in the back window and then makes his way over to me, tucking his hands in his front pockets as he moves closer.

“How was your birthday dinner?” I step toward him before remembering that I don’t smell all that great.There’sonly a few feet between us—it seems we gravitate toward each other without conscious thought. I noticed at the park this afternoon, we sat quite close together, as though we’re attracted to each other like magnets.

“It was good, thanks.” He pauses for a moment. “Actually, it was pretty great. It’d been a long time since Dad and I sat and shared a meal.”

“That’sgottabe the best birthday present.” I’m not sure why he’s been estranged from his family, but it makes me happy to hear that he enjoyed his father’s company.

“Yeah, it was.” He rubs the bristles of his neat scruff. “How was your evening?”

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