Page 46 of Threads of Kindness
“Thank you,” Loretta said. “But you didn’t have to do this.”
“It’s very nice of you to have me over for dinner,” Josh said.
Frank handed Josh and Sean small plates and gestured toward the hors d’oeuvres.
“This looks wonderful,” Josh said, eyeing the offerings.
Loretta gave him a thousand-watt smile as she pulled a vase from the cabinet above the refrigerator. “Have you heard from David?” she asked Frank.
Frank covered his mouth as he spoke around a mouthful of warm, gooey date. “No—and it’s not like him to be late.”
Sean pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ve got a text from him. David had trouble getting his car started, but he’s on his way. He says he’ll be here in ten minutes.”
Loretta picked up a plate and helped herself to a caprese skewer. She turned to Sean. “Would you go tell your sisters the appetizers are ready if they’d like some?”
Sean headed toward their bedrooms.
“I’m going to feed the twins before we sit down,” Loretta said, setting her plate on the counter.
“Do you need any help?” Frank asked.
She shook her head. “Don’t forget to offer Josh something to drink,” she added over her shoulder as she left the room.
“It’s been so long since we’ve had company for dinner. I’m rusty on my hosting duties,” Frank said with a sheepish shrug. “What can I get you?”
“I know it’s boring,” Josh said, “but I’m a water drinker.”
Frank filled a glass with ice water and handed it to him.
“I’m happy to meet your family,” Josh said. “I understand you’ve been a father figure to both David and Sean. It’s so cool you allowed David to fulfill his community service obligations at Forever Friends.”
“David’s attention-seeking theft from his school following his father’s suicide was a cry for help,” Frank said. “That experience led him to his life’s purpose—working with guide dogs.”
“Now Sean appears to be interested in service dogs, too,” Josh said. “You should be very proud.”
“Those two boys—young men—are remarkable. They’ll be successful in life, no matter what. I’m lucky to watch them grow into their full potential.” He smiled at Josh. “Loretta and I were talking the other night, and she suggested having you and David over, so you could become better acquainted. She pointed out that the two of you don’t really know each other yet. You’ll eventually work closely together. David heads back to California and his studies at the Guide Dog Center in a few days, so tonight was our last chance for a while.”
“David seems terrific,” Josh said. “I’m looking forward to working with him, and I’m glad we have this chance to connect before he goes back. I also want to spend more time with Sean.”
“Sean’s always asking about the plans for Forever Guides, but I haven’t included him in meetings,” Frank said, his tone growing serious. “He’s only thirteen. I feel bad that he spends so much time at Forever Friends. He’s a kid, and I want him to enjoy his childhood.”
“From what I’ve seen, Sean is serious and focused. I think he genuinely cares about the rescue animals,” Josh said. “If you’re worried about pushing him into a family business—like sometimes happens with family-owned restaurants—you don’t need to be. Sean’s interest is real.”
The worry lines around Frank’s eyes vanished, like ice that’s just been cleaned by a Zamboni.
Loretta and Marissa returned to the kitchen, with Bonnie and Branson in tow. Nicole was close behind. Sally, Daisy, and Snowball stormed to the front door, barking.
“That’ll be David,” Frank said, heading down the hall.
Loretta inserted a sheet pan of chicken thighs in the oven and followed him to the front door.
“There’sone last piece left. Who’ll take this off my hands?” Loretta carried the cake into the dining room. “I want to wash this plate and put it away.”
Josh drew back in his chair. “It was absolutely delicious—the whole meal was—but I couldn’t eat another bite.”
Loretta looked from David to Sean. “Surely one of you boys would like this.”
“Sure,” they both said in unison.
