Page 79 of Let Me

“That’s the way I want it.I love my surroundings to give me a sense of calm and peace.”

“Well, you nailed it.”

“Thank you,” I tell her.“What is Fred doing?Does he need help?”

“Oh, no, he’s fine.I baked a cake.I told him to be careful with it.”

“Oh.Okay.Well, make yourself at home.I don’t have a formal dining room, so we’ll sit at the table in the kitchen and the living room is also available.”

“Good.Is Autumn here yet?”

“Yes.She’s changing clothes.”

Fred finally comes inside and says, “Good evening.”

“Good evening, Fred.You can set that cake on the counter right there.”

“Thank you.”

I go outside to see if my parents are on their way and they are, walking down the sidewalk, all smiles.

“You have the gift?”I ask my father.

“Of course.She’s going to be so excited.”

“I know she will be.”

“Aw…I’m so happy for you, son.You look so happy,” Mother says.

“I am.I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Riley pulls up around the same time as Nico.While my parents go inside, I stand in the driveway and wait for them.

Riley gets out first, walks over to me, and says, “Hello tall man who’s making my best friend happy.How are you this evening?”

“I’m good, Riley.How are you?”

“Peachy.”

“By the way, you didn’t tell her you were coming, did you?”

“No.You told me not to say anything and I didn’t.I know how to keep a secret.I’m ready to surprise my girl.”

“Wait, we’re doing a surprise party now?”Nico asks.

Riley looks at him then at me.

I say, “Nah, man—just dinner.”

“Oh.I thought I heard Ms.Lady say something about a surprise.”

“Mrs.Lady?”Riley’s eyes narrow as she looks at him.

I intervene before things go left and say, “Riley, you remember Nico from the wedding, right?”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

“It’s good to see you again,” Nico tells her.

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