Page 35 of Steamy Dreamy Hearts

“Right? They deep-fry here. None of that healthier air fryer nonsense.” She leaned back in her chair, studying me with blue eyes that matched her son’s. “I’m glad you found therapy useful, Caleb. It’s incredible you returned to work and are thriving. I can’t imagine how frightening being trapped in a sudden explosion would be.”

“Thriving might be too kind. I get by. I have good days and bad. Sometimes I think about the fire too much. How even with my gear, the extreme heat got through.”

She squeezed my fingers. “Sean’s father died on the job, but a gas explosion. He felt nothing, so they told me. Still, it hurt so much for those left. And Sean had to deal with his father, then Dan…” She released her hands to grab a napkin and blow her nose.

“He’s lost so much.”

“Yes, it made him build a shell around himself. An armor. But inside, he’s a good man. Sean just needs the right person to appreciate that. Maybe somebody else who’s known pain and been resilient.” She raised her eyebrows.

“Maybe…” I worried my lip.

Am I that man?

My eyes threatened with tears, and I glanced away. I wanted to be that guy. Could I finally be beyond all the pain…the memories…? Could I finally be with somebody and have it feel good?

“Hey,” Sean called, joining us at that exact moment. “Sorry, I had to review the app more than once with Anna.”

“Thank you. I’m sure she was grateful.”

“Everything okay?” he asked, his eyes narrowed on my face.

“Yep, all good.” I pasted on a smile, but Sean continued to study me.

“Just getting to know each other, honey. Stop lurking over Caleb and sit. I ordered you the tuna.”

“Mom, no, I always tell you?—”

“Relax. Joking, honey. I ordered you the steak sandwich. Caleb and I are getting the tuna.”

He looked at me. “Are you really okay? ’Cause you look pale.”

“I’m just regretting the tuna already.” I winked.

CHAPTER

TWELVE

SMACK

I knew Caleb wasn’t being honest—something had upset him. I’d get it out of my mother later. I sat down across from them, taking a menu off the table. Not that the options had changed.

“The tuna is fine. You’ll see, Caleb,” Mom said. “They add grapes.”

“Great,” Caleb enthused, though his voice was still strained.

“I’ll give you some of my steak,” I promised.

All around us, the tables were filled with hungry seniors. The young waitress soon had her hands full.

“Sorry, I forgot your sweet teas.” She hurried to put them down.

“No problem, Jenny,” said Mom.

“That’s why you’re one of my favorites,” the waitress declared.

Mom laid a hand on her chest. “Thank you.”

I sipped some of the sweet tea. It was good, although not super thirst-quenching. Behind us, two women gawked at Caleb. When he smiled at them, they quickly looked at their menus.

---