Page 43 of More Than a Little Spark

Fred meets my gaze as he slings the bag onto his shoulder.“I’m just surprised someone that pretty is dating you.”

Clearly this kid knows what buttons to push.And my insecurities are through the roof.But this isn’t only about me.And it’s clear from his jab that he’s not very happy about the fact that I’m dating.

“Please don’t be rude to my guest.”I work to keep any anger out of my tone.

“I won’t.Can we go now?”

“Get in the truck.We’ll be out in a minute.”

He runs out the door, and I pick up the towel he dropped.Today will be interesting.

Daphne looks around as she steps into the living room.“Where’s Fred?”

“He’s eager to get to the party.You ready?”

She slides her hand into mine.“He didn’t seem too happy about the dating part.”

“He probably needs time.”I’m saying it out loud, hoping that it’s true.

“Maybe so.”She squeezes my hand.“We shouldn’t keep him waiting.”

Fred is waiting in the back seat, and I’m thankful he at least left the front seat open for Daphne.

Country music on the radio makes the lack of conversation less awkward during the few minutes it takes to get to the main house.And when I park, Fred jumps out as soon as I cut the engine.He didn’t even grab the bag or towels.

Daphne sighs.“I can go home if you think this isn’t a good idea.”

While I want to reassure her and say he’s just excited about the party, I can’t because I’m a horrible liar.“Honestly, I’m not sure what to think.But I want you to stay.There are a lot of people I’d like for you to meet.Again.You’ve already met most of them.”I hold out my hand.“He’s twelve, and as someone who was once a twelve-year-old boy, I can say with confidence that they can be unpredictable and even unkind at times.I know I was.”

“It’s hard to imagine you as unkind.”

“I grew up.But I’m hoping he’ll realize that our dating isn’t a bad thing, won’t upend his life.And he’ll be fine with it.That might take a little while.And lots of reassurance.”

“You are probably right.”She leans across and kisses my cheek.“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I heard what Fred said at the house.”She runs a finger down the front of my T-shirt.“I’ve liked you from the first time I saw you.Never forget that.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Now let’s go party.”She wiggles in her seat.“And do not let me forget to put on sunscreen because I will hurt if I don’t.”

“I can help with that.”I wink as I slide out of the truck.

An hour later,Daphne and Rose are gathered with the other ladies, deep in conversation.Daphne looks happy, which is good.And it’s nice that she’s met most everyone here before today.Plus, Rose is here, and Daphne loves hanging out with her best friend.

I wander over to the cooler to grab a cold drink.Greeting people has taken a good bit of time.And I offered to help with the food, so I haven’t had a chance to swim.It’s also possible that Fred’s jab is playing on repeat in my head and I’m not yet ready to take off my shirt.Daphne’s seen part of my chest.The hairy part.But she hasn’t seen the spare tire on full display.

Gulping down a bottle of water, I delay dealing with insecurity.

Kent walks up beside me.“You brought her.Poppy says she’s awesome.”

“She is.”

“Is Fred excited?Mason did a little dance when Poppy and I announced that we were dating.”

“There was no dancing.”I crumple the bottle and toss it into the recycling bin.“But we’ll just have to see how things go.”

“Boys this age can be…” Kent shrugs.

“Yeah.For sure.”

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