Page 151 of Still Bruised
“We’re going to have to watch the two of them,” Mrs. Price said to Foster.
“Yes, we will,” Foster murmured, holding Jude’s gaze.
The rest of dinner, Jude joked with Foster’s parents—who were amazing, he had to admit—and did his best not to stare adoringly across the table. Once dinner was over, he ignored Adeline’s demand that he sit down. He helped clear the table. When the dishwasher was full and running, Adeline and Foster began pulling out disposable foil containers from the oven. As Adeline opened them to check temperatures, he noticed they were the same side dishes they’d had at the table.
“If you’re preparing those meals for the firefighters, I can help,” Jude said.
“No, silly. I didn’t invite you to put you to work. I know you’ve been through the ringer this week. This is my thing, and I’ve been doing it for years. I’ve got a system, and Foster’s going to help me fill these boxes really fast. We won’t be but a few minutes. You can join George in the living room and relax.”
“I’dloveto pitch in, actually. The firefighters helped us a lot when my dad got really bad. The man was Houdini when it came to getting out of the apartment, no matter how much we tried to secure things. He started wandering off, forgetting where he was. Who he was.” Jude winced. “For some reason, he usually ended up at the fire station. Luckily, really. They’d call me so I didn’t worry, then let him hang out for a little bit. Later, they’dgive him a ride home in one of their trucks. It’ll feel good to give back to those guys in some small way.”
“Well, he used to be a firefighter way back when. Volunteer, of course. Before they went professional, that is.”
“He never told me that,” Jude said, frowning. Mrs. Price seemed to know more about his dad than he did.
“I’m sure you know that your dad wasn’t one to boast. But I’m also sure you noticed how many friends he had from the fire station, too,” Adeline said.
“Yeah, I did,” Jude said. “But he was friends with neareveryonein town, so I didn’t realize they were any different than anyone else.”
“A lot of people loved your dad. He was a good man, Jude. And from what I can see, his son takes after him.” Adeline smiled. “We would love your help, but it’s absolutely not required.”
Jude stepped closer to the island, right beside Foster. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”
“We’ve got two containers of each of the sides. We just need to check that they’re at the right temperature and ready to go. Then we add one of each gets packed into each insulated box.”
“Sounds easy enough,” Jude said.
Adeline hadn’t been kidding. She had it down to a science. They had the containers packed in no time. Once they had everything loaded into the two main boxes, Adeline added a carboard box with two separate bags she loaded with plates, plastic utensils, serving utensils, and napkins. “One bag for each station. I’m also adding two pies each for both, too.”
Once the four homemade pies were added and all three boxes were loaded into the back of Foster’s SUV, Jude turned to Foster. “Do you need help delivering them?”
“Mom really wanted to deliver them herself,” Foster said.
That didn’t leave much room in the vehicle for him.
Foster’s mom yawned heavily, covering her mouth with the back of her hand.
“Mrs. P, why don’t you let me and Foster take these around? You can go sit with your husband and relax a little.”
“No, no, no… you’ve worked harder than I have this week.”
“I don’t know about that after looking at all you prepared,” Jude said. “If you really want to go, sure, but why don’t we give you a hand and let you prop your feet up?”
She looked between them. “Well, if you two don’t mind. It would be nice to cuddle up to George and have a glass of wine.”
“You do that,” Jude said. He eyed Foster, longing making it harder to breathe. “As long as you’re good with me going?”
Foster didn’t reply at first. Jude held his breath, hoping he wouldn’t be denied.
“Of course,” Foster finally answered.
Relief filled Jude. “Then let’s get a move on.”
“Yes, sir,”Foster whispered opening the passenger door for Jude.
“You guys be safe, and you let those firefighters know I’m sending my love. I hope they have a quiet night. Knock on wood.”
“Will do,” Foster said, his gaze never leaving Jude’s.
