Page 51 of Havoc
“Of course they were, baby,” Remy responded, taking the bottle of wine from his hand. “I’ll put this in the fridge until dinner is ready.”
“It should only be another twenty minutes,” Rita stated. “I’m making Remy’s favorite.”
“Well, it smells delicious,” Lawrence complimented. “Do you mind some company while you finish?”
“Not at all.” Rita slipped her arm through his, and they strolled to the kitchen together. “Remy tells us you work in sales for a medical equipment company,” Rita stated, sparking a conversation as she left Lawrence at the island and continued to the stove.
“I do. I’ve been with the company for four years and the assistant director of sales for over a year.”
“He also secured two of the biggest contracts the company’s seen since he’s worked there,” Remy added, kissing Lawrence’s temple as he walked past to the living room.
“Congratulations,” Rita stated at the same time Charles said, “That’s impressive.” Lawrence hadn’t realized that Charles had taken a seat at the dining table.
“Thank you,” he responded. He turned against the island to look at both of them as he spoke. “The two of you worked with children before you retired.”
“We did,” Charles responded. “We directed an after-school and summer program for kids. It helped give them something to do that kept them out of trouble, and many of them lived in a single-parent household and needed a place to go while their parent worked.”
“We still work with children and senior citizens. We volunteer several days a week. People don’t tell you that when you retire, it’s hard to sit still,” Rita stated.
“I’ve heard,” Lawrence responded. “It’s why I plan on traveling the world when I retire. I’ve always wanted to, and it’ll help me stay occupied.”
“We could do that now,” Remy informed, returning to the kitchen and sitting at the table with Charles.
Lawrence was sure he meant it. He could ask Remy to take him anywhere, and he would, but he wasn’t sure they were at a point in their relationship where he felt comfortable doing that.
“We’re taking our first trip soon. Let’s see if we make it through that one before considering other trips together. I might realize you’re terrible company on vacation,” Lawrence teased.
“I’m great company at any time,” Remy responded.
“I’ll let you think that,” Lawrence replied.
The conversation continued, Lawrence drifting to the cabinet where Remy kept his plates. He took some down and placed them on the table while Remy grabbed glasses and the wine from the refrigerator. Charles helped Rita put the food on the table with serving utensils.
Lawrence’s first bite almost drew a moan from him. It was delicious, and he made a mental note to see if Rita would give him the recipe or if he could coax Remy into cooking it for him in the near future. He complimented how good it was, and the conversation drifted to Rita learning to cook as a child, and all the recipes passed down from her grandmother and mother.
They sat at the table long after eating, keeping the conversation going, and Lawrence found that Rita was funny. Charles often tried to calm her down, but he could see it was half-hearted. He seemed to enjoy his wife’s sense of humor and antics.
“I have an idea; why don’t we play a game or watch a movie,” Rita suggested after they’d cleared the table.
“It’s late, Rita. I’m sure Lawrence has to work tomorrow,” Charles pointed out.
“Oh shoot. I didn’t think of that. You’re going in tomorrow too, aren’t you, Remy?” she asked.
“I am,” his boyfriend responded. “If Lawrence is free Saturday, he can join us on our outing,” Remy suggested.
“I don’t have any plans,” Lawrence responded. “I’d like that.”
Rita smiled at him. “Great! I can’t wait.”
Lawrence returned her smile. “I should get going. I’ll see you all this weekend.”
He received a hug from Rita, and a pat on the back from Charles before Remy walked him down to his car. The short trip to his vehicle was silent, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. When they reached his car, Remy placed his hands on Lawrence’s waist.
“Thank you for having dinner with us.”
“Thank you for inviting me. Your parents are great, and your mom is hilarious.”
“She likes to think she’s a comedian,” Remy chuckled.
