Page 45 of Crimson Promises
A blank look crossed Ben’s face.
“Darlene here has Vic on a strict diet,” I explained. “No sugar or red meat and limited carbohydrates. All of which are his favorites.”
“He’s been a miserable bastard lately. And he thinks I don’t know that he takes those double shifts to use that time to sneak in more sweets,” Darlene said, pointing at me. “You’ll learn, love. Men are furiously stubborn creatures. The world would be better if they realized we women are always right.”
“I’ve lived with my single father for most of my life. It was a lesson I had to learn early.”
“Good, the sooner, the better.” She clapped her hands. “Give me your coats, and head into the kitchen. Aurora darling, you know the way. Everything is already on the table. Victor will be down in a jiff. He’s changing into a nicer shirt.”
I headed down the narrow hallway straight ahead that I knew opened up into an airy kitchen, living room, and dining area.
“Nice place,” Ben whispered as we walked down the hall.
The smell of roasted chicken was wafting down the hallway. My mouth was already watering.
An entire roasted chicken was plated at the center of the table, and surrounding it were heaps of sides: salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, butternut squash soup—the epitome of a fall meal.
I took a seat with my back to the windowed backyard, facing the open kitchen. Ben claimed the chair beside me and stared at the food.
He leaned towards me. “Do you think she’ll get offended if I don’t eat anything?”
“What?” I whipped my head towards him. “Of course, she’ll get offended. We came here for dinner, which consists of us eating dinner.”
He mumbled a string of words, but the only one I could make out was “paper”.
“What did you say?” I asked.
“Nothing. Can’t wait to eat all of this food.”
I pinched his thigh.
“Ow, what was that for?” His hand rubbed over the spot I had just pinched.
“For being a pest.”
Vic strode into the kitchen wearing a button-up dress shirt. He spread his arm as he walked towards me.
“Darlene made you get all gussied up?” I stood up to meet his embrace.
“I love that woman, but sometimes she drives me insane. I was wearing a perfectly respectable shirt. It had no stains or rips, and it was mustard. I matched the season. But no, that wasn’t good enough for guests.”
“This looks nice, though.”
“It itches.” Vic pulled at the elbows of his shirt.
Ben was still seated, staring at the food.I don’t get his problem. It looks delicious.
I kicked his shin from where I was standing. When I had his attention, I raised my eyebrows.Stand up.
Ben stood to come around me and extended his hand towards Vic. “Pleasure to meet you, Victor. You and Darlene have a wonderful home. Thank you so much for having me this evening.”
Vic frowned. There wasn’t much he could critique about that introduction. Ben executed that flawlessly.
“Of course. Welcome to our home. Nice to meet afriendof Aurora’s.”
Ben didn’t correct him, and I couldn’t help feeling like my heart just went down the drop of a rollercoaster.
“Have a seat.” Vic gestured to the table. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”
