Page 29 of Painting Together a Family
He nodded and looked to Bry to go first.
“I’d like the scallops ceviche and the lobster roll, please.”
“Side for the lobster roll?”
“I think I’ll go with the house salad.”
“Dressing?”
“Is there a balsamic?”
“Yes, we have two. A raspberry balsamic and a white balsamic with garlic.”
“The second one sounds yummy—I’ll have that, thanks.” Bry actually licked his lips, and Dev was fascinated by the way that left his lower lip shining in the light.
“Excellent, and for you, sir?” The waiter turned to Dev.
“You know me—brussels and fish fry, with fries and slaw.”
Chuckling, the waiter nodded. “I did let the kitchen know the brussels sprout man was here so they could start prepping. I’ll be back soon with your appetizers.”
“So you’re very much a regular here then?” Bry asked once the waiter had left.
“Only for the sprouts. The entree is a special occasion.” He let himself wink over. “How are the boys? Are they still pleased with their zoo visit?”
“Between that and you guys coming over for supper, they’ve barely talking about anything else for over a week. I think you’ve made their year. The zoo people really made them feel special.”
“Oh, excellent. If I have the opportunity to invite them again, I’d love to. They’re good boys.”
“They really are. And your girls are great. Even though it didn’t work out last weekend, I’d be happy to have Marley sit for them any time.” Bryan took a sip of his Mojito and hummed.
“She’s been working so hard to be trusted. I’m very proud of her.”
“They’re both great girls. Your Juniper is a hoot.”
“Juni is a firecracker. She is going to take over the world.”
“Yeah, I believe that. I also believe Dylan and Micah will be her right-hand men. They adore her.”
“She likes them. She calls them her posse. She misses having close friends.”
“Her posse. That’s great.” Bryan laughed for a moment before sobering to ask, “What happened to her friends?”
“Well, we moved a couple of times, of course, and then her big sister became a teenager.” And that was hard. His two best friend girls had become… just sisters.
“Ah, of course on the moving. Do you think your girls will ever be close like they were again, once the teenage years are over?”
“Of course. They don’t hate each other or anything. There’s just a huge difference between ten and fourteen, you know?” Marley was a ‘teenager, Daddy’.
“Ah yeah. I guess I’ll get to that eventually. Six and four aren’t as far apart as ten and fourteen, but I’m guessing at ten and twelve it will be.”
“Or thirteen and fifteen?” No matter what, growing up was a challenge.
Bry nodded. “Or fifteen and seventeen.” Then he shuddered. “I don’t want to think of them that old. I want to wrap them in cotton wool and make sure they grow up really slowly. I know it’s not realistic, but it would be nice.”
“Wouldn’t it? Although, it’s fun to have them grow into themselves, too. They’re so much more interesting.”
“I know. I love each change even as I feel nostalgic for who they used to be.” Bry chuckled. “Sometimes I feel like there’s something wrong with me.”
