Page 25 of Blindsided By Fake Love

Chapter Eleven

Beau

“She’snice,”Jackgrinsas I slide into the car, a gleam in his stare. “And pretty.”

A warm grin spreads, and we both glance toward the porch. Kit’s still standing there, watching.

Starting the car, my smile expands, and I wave before pulling away. I’ll be picking her up at seven. One hundred twenty minutes is too long, but it will give me time to see if The Glowing Fork is available tonight.

“Do you think she was serious about getting a chance to work with her?” Jack’s voice is hopeful, but when I look over, the uncertainty in his eyes is obvious.

“I do. She mentioned the idea when I talked about bringing you by. You must’ve made a good impression if Kit asked you if you’d be interested.” The smile that crosses his face at my words reinforces why I do this. So many kids just need an opportunity to see what’s available.

A tiny bit of hope for the life that’s possible.

It’s easy to get lost in today’s world without guidance. I’m glad that I’m in a position to help. Play It Forward has changed the lives of the kids I’ve worked with and mine.

Jack’s reaction, combined with Kit saying she’d go out with me, has me walking on top of the world.

And nervous. I wipe my hand down my jeans.

Jack is texting furiously, a massive smile on his face when I turn down his street. Pulling up to his house, I see Missy Samuels, Jack’s grandmother, sitting on the porch in a rocking chair. Putting the car in park, Jack jumps out and runs to the house.

“Hi Missy,” I call through the window.

“Hi, Beau! Thanks for taking Jack—Jack Samuels! What have I told you about running in the house?” Missy scolds, and my lips curve up.

“Sorry, Gram,” Jack says contritely and slows his pace to a trot. Right before he gets in the house, Missy scolds again.

“Where do you think you’re going without giving me a proper greeting?” Jack turns and rolls his eyes but kisses his grandmother on the cheek. “Did you have fun?”

“It was great—”

“Jack, I’ll see you in two weeks. Bye, Missy.” They both turn and wave as I drive off. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see Jack animatedly talking to his grandmother.

My cheeks pull up, and lightness fills me.

When I get home, that smirk is still there. Like Jack, my excitement has me running up the stairs and into the house.

Luckily, there’s no one to tell me to slow down. I’m not sure I’d listen if there were.

Dropping my keys in a bowl on the entryway table, I send Mike a quick text.

Beau:

Secret marriage is a secret no longer.

Taking Kit to dinner to talk details.

I’ll update you later.

Mike:

I’m so proud of my little cousin.

You’re becoming a big boy.

Beau:

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