Page 18 of Raspberry Cake
“Monsters as always.”
“Their birthday is coming up, isn’t it?”
“We’re celebrating tomorrow actually. Wanna join for some good food?”
“Your sister does make fantastic cakes, doesn’t she? Is it the same place as last year?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She pinned the man with a glare. “You know better than to call me that.”
Miguel only laughed and shrugged it off, turning his attention to Renley. “Care to join?”
He nodded and once the bite in his mouth was gone, he asked, “How old are your nieces?”
“Why? So, you can buy them a gift? They’re spoiled enough. Just bring yourself.”
“That’s rude,” he countered.
“Fine, their mother loves Barefoot wine–doesn’t matter what kind.”
Eveline leaned closer and whispered, “They’re turning nine.”
“Watch yourself there, boss!”
“Why?” Eveline teased. “What are you going to do?”
Miguel cursed something in Spanish that Renley didn’t understand, but it made the others laugh. With a reminder not to work too long, Eveline helped them clean up and she was out the door.
The next day, he followed his GPS to the Bear Creek Park on Clay Road. The party was at one of the pavilions and with the warm weather it was perfect for the kids to run around and the adults to grill out. As he approached, Miguel greeted him, introducing his sister and pointing out his nieces on the playground. Selene was elated with the bottle of wine, showing that Eveline had brought her one too. He added the beer he’d brought to one of the coolers, then joined Eveline and Lukas—the only others he recognised.
“No gifts for the twins?” Eveline asked as he sat down.
“Didn’t want to get on Miguel’s bad side.”
“Wise choice,” Lukas agreed, greeting him with a handshake.
Eveline indicated the soda in his hands. “No drinking today for you, huh?”
God, Renley’s head hurt just thinking about it. “No, ma’am.” Then, remembering how Miguel had been scolded he added, “Sorry.”
“Well, you got the curve there, so I’ll forgive you.”
“Very gracious, thank you.”
Eveline flicked her hair back rather dramatically, “That’s me.”
Lukas choked on his water trying not to laugh. “What is in that drink of yours?”
“Oh, you know, just the usual cocktail of antidepressants and painkillers.”
“If you weren’t my boss, I’d ask you if you got laid last night.”
“But Iamyour boss,” she reminded him, though she didn’t seem upset by the comment.
When the call for food was made, Lukas vanished in a flash. When Eveline didn’t move, Renley asked, “You don’t want anything?”
“I’ll wait until everyone else has their plates. The dads might starve if they don’t get theirs filled first.”
