Page 12 of Riding Home

“So, Mark,” Clark said smoothly, turning the spotlight.“What do you do?”

“I’m an orthopedic surgeon,” Mark replied tersely.

“Impressive,” Clark acknowledged.“Saving lives and all that.”

“Yes,” Mark said shortly.

An awkward silence threatened, but Mom quickly intervened.“Who’s ready for turkey?Let’s all take our seats.”

As we passed dishes around, I whispered to Clark, “Little Honey Bun?”

He chuckled.“Thought it added a nice touch.”

“You’re enjoying this too much,” I muttered.

“Perhaps a bit,” he acknowledged, eyes gleaming.

Throughout the meal, Clark engaged effortlessly with my family, sharing stories that were both entertaining and outrageous.Even Mom seemed taken with him, laughing at his jokes.

“Clark, what exactly do you do in Nashville?”Uncle Bruce asked.

“I’m in the transportation business—logistics, deliveries,” Clark replied smoothly.

“Sounds lucrative,” Uncle Bruce nodded.

“It keeps me busy,” Clark said modestly.

“Well, anyone who can keep up with our Aurora is okay in my book,” Aunt Lydia chimed in.

“Absolutely,” Mom agreed, smiling.“She’s quite accomplished, you know.”

I glanced at Clark, who winked.“There’s nothing my Little Honey Bun can’t do.”

Mom added, “She might be up for a Grammy.”

Trying to fill him in, I said, “The Nashville Symphony Orchestra hopes for a nomination this year.I’m a violinist.”

“That’s wonderful,” Mary, Clark’s mom, said.“We love music.Clark’s grandpa played banjo at festivals.”

As dessert was served, Mark abruptly stood.He hardly said a word all night.“Excuse me, everyone.Aurora, could I have a word?”His tone was clipped.

I hesitated, glancing at Clark, who nodded.

“Sure,” I said, pushing back my chair.

We stepped into the dim hallway, away from the dining room’s warmth.

“I didn’t realize you were seeing someone,” Mark began, eyes scanning my face.

“It happened recently,” I replied cautiously.

He ran a hand through his hair.“I was hoping we could talk about...us.”

“Mark, we’ve been over this.Our relationship didn’t work.”

“I’ve changed,” he insisted.

“It’s not about that.We’re just not right for each other.”

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