Page 8 of High Density

Now there are only a couple of single men left, one of whom is sitting at the dining table, reading a newspaper over breakfast; Thomas Harvey, Alex’s father-in-law. I wave at him as I take my seat.

“How do you take your coffee?” Ama asks, her tone begging no argument.

“Cream and sugar, please,” I return politely.

I mumble, “Thank you,” when she sets a large mug in front of me.

I feel Alex’s eyes on me and when I glance over, the older woman wears a little smirk on her face. I’m sure she knew exactly what she was doing when she invited me in. From what I’ve seen from a distance, Ama is a little intimidating, and I don’t really want to get on her bad side. Therefore, I don’t argue when she piles a plate high with waffles, scrambled eggs, home fries, and bacon, and slides it in front of me.

“Eat up.”

“Ma, she’s not a dog,” I hear a familiar voice snap behind me.

“No, but she works as hard as you boys do and needs her fuel just the same. She just doesn’t have someone looking out for her like you do.”

Undeterred by his mother’s stern expression, JD rounds the kitchen island and bends down to kiss her cheek. His thick, short black hair is wet and he’s wearing a clean shirt. Looks like he had a quick shower. I could probably use one too, but mine’s going to have to wait.

Ama waves her spatula again. “Sit,” she orders him, and he complies with a grin, taking the stool next to mine. In no time he has a hot coffee and a steaming plate of food in front of him too.

“Well, don’t let it get cold.”

Right.

I dig in and, having worked up a healthy appetite, manage to finish about three-quarters of what had been piled on my plate. But the five minutes I was going to spend have already turned into twenty, and I really need to get back to the clinic.

“This was delicious. Thank you. But I really should get going,” I announce, resolutely getting to my feet.

I grab my mug and plate, and carry them over to the sink.

“See how easy that is?” I hear Ama say.

When I turn around, I see she has her eyes fixed on her son, who is grinning at her with a mouthful of food, but wisely keeps it shut.

“These boys,” she continues with a headshake. “And I bet you left the wet towels on the bathroom floor as well. I already pity the woman who decides to take you on.”

“Don’t worry, Ma. For the right woman I may even put my dirty socks in the hamper.”

Alex snickers, and I don’t know why I’m suddenly blushing like a schoolgirl, but I’m instantly in a rush to get out of here.

“Thanks again. Have a good day.” I throw in an awkward little wave and beeline it to the front door.

I barely make it to my truck when I hear heavy boots coming down the porch steps after me.

“I thought we were going to talk?” JD points out as he catches up with me.

“I have to get back to the clinic. I probably have a waiting room full.”

I’m already climbing in behind the wheel, but he’s holding on to my door.

“Okay, but I’d still like to talk to you,” he insists. “How about dinner?”

“I don’t know if I’ll have time,” I sputter.

He snorts. “You’re gonna have to eat at some point. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

This is not a good idea, Janey.

But I’m so eager to get out of here, when I open my mouth, “Fine,” comes shooting out.

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