Page 86 of Damien
Damien reaches for my leg and squeezes it once as if he can read my mind.
“I… uh… am not sure where my next job will be. A lot can happen in a year. But I’m not so sure about the East Coast.”
“True… a lot of things can change in that time,” Trent agrees. “What about you, Derek? What’s going on with you?”
“Things are good, Dad. I’m enjoying the firm I work with for now, but if a few of my side projects become bigger than they are, I am considering making it my full-time gig. The great thing is I work remote and can travel either way, so I can’t complain.”
Damien turns to me and explains, “He’s a graphic designer and works for an advertising agency.”
I nod and continue listening to them check in with one another. Davis tells us about a few interesting cases he’s been working on during his recent clinical rotation. Then Trent talks about the family business he and Daisy run outside of Cashmere.
When Derek asks, “What’s gonna happen when you and Mom decide to retire? Do you think you’ll sell the place?” Trent raises a brow at his eldest son.
“Well… none of you want to run it, and I don’t see any of you poppin’ out kids anytime soon, to leave it to as their inheritance. I guess your mom and I’ll have to cross that bridge when we get there. For now, she enjoys running the books, and I’m not anywhere close to retiring.”
“We’ve got good people helping us run it now,” Daisy chimes in as she sits down in a chair beside her husband. “Did your father tell you we’re taking an actual vacation this fall?”
“Nope.” Trent smiles. “I was waiting for you to tell them.”
“Well…” she gasps excitedly. “I’ve finally convinced your workaholic dad to take me to Australia for three whole weeks in September. I’ve always wanted to go and once school starts, the store slows down a bit. Besides, it’s our thirtieth anniversary, and it’s about time we went on that honeymoon we never seemed to get around to.”
“Wow… you sure you can survive not working every day?” Davis teases his dad.
“I might find I like the travel bug and will have to do it more often.” Trent shrugs.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Australia,” I admit. “That and New Zealand. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.”
Julia rushes up to the porch with a panicked expression. “Momma… I gotta go…”
Crap. I know that look. Before I can do anything, Damien stands and promptly says, “Come on, squirt. I’ll show you the way.”
Could this man be any sweeter?
As I watch them leave, Beatrice, who’s taken a seat beside me, whispers, “You’re not the only one that boy’s smitten with.”
30
Damien
Just as we finish dinner,my sister sends a group family text.
Dani: Don’t make plans for after the photoshoot tomorrow. Luke and I have made reservations for us all in Tacoma. We have you dressed up—now you’ll have a place to go. (Smiley face emoji)
“What is she up to?” Derek asks the table.
Mom’s smile is huge. “Oh, Derek. We knowyouhate surprises. But let Dani have her fun. Besides, she’s right. If we’re getting all dressed up, we may as well go somewhere special, too.”
Dad’s in agreement with Mom on this one—which is interesting. “Let’s just go along for the ride. Who knows? It may be fun.”
“Does this mean we get to go on the ferry again?” Jules asks the room.
“Honey, anything off this island does,” Pops chimes in.
Davis’s response has us all bursting out with laughter.
Davis: We’ll go—but we won’t make any promises beyond showing up.
Of course, Derek can’t keep out of it.
