Page 38 of Brews & Bartenders

“That’s not the problem.” Well, besides the fact I don’t want to cook unless I have to. “Who is going to judge our meal? Neither one of us is going to give honest feedback.”

He places his hands over his heart. “You wound me. I’d never take advantage during a cooking challenge.”

“Okay,” I snort. I pick up a wing and devour it. My friends would be gasping in horror. They are very much the type that eat less in front of their dates. I don’t have that luxury. Whoever dates me has to take me as I am because I’m not changing for anyone. I’ve been down that road before. Besides, he’s not my real boyfriend. He’s more like a friend, with benefits apparently, and I’m more relaxed around him.

“Seriously, you choose what you want to cook. And if you insist on a judge, we can do a double date with Angie and Dylan. It’s not like Dylan would side with me without tasting the food. We had a bit of a rocky start when he came back to town. They’ll be our judges.”

He’s got a point. “And when would we do this? David has football games Saturday mornings and you work the night shift. It’s not like we have all the time in the world.”

“How about a Sunday? That is if you can find a sitter. If not, it’ll just go on the board for another time when we can.”

I let the idea roll through my head. “Assuming we’re still doing this thing when football season is over, you’re on.” I eat another wing. “And prepare to lose to my mad grilling skills.”

“In your dreams.”

I like the playful banter. It’s something I’ve never experienced outside of my family and friends. Nathan was always so serious and would shut it down. Looking back, with how close my family was, I don’t know how I ever ended up with him.

My phone dings and I glance at the screen. It’s Kate, back from the funeral home.

Kate: When are you going to be back in?

I should answer it, but I don’t.

“Do you need to get that?” Carlos points toward my phone. It vibrated again as a reminder. I should really turn that feature off.

“Nope.” I shake my head, “the three of them will be fine without me for a little longer.”

“Okay.” He glances at the TV above the bar. They aren’t usually on at night, but during the day it replays old sports games. “So, what position does David play in football?”

It’s a shock hearing him ask about David. Well, when it’s more than needing to find a babysitter. Nathan hasn’t asked once about football season, and he’s his father. Then again, Carlos is nothing like my shitty ex-husband. “I don’t know yet. This is his first year playing. My brother is trying to teach how to be quarterback.”

“Ah, so the leader of the team.”

“We’ll see. This is the first time he’s shown any interest in sports and I’m a little out of my element. So, I’ll let him try whatever he wants until something sticks.”

“That’s a good idea,” he nods his agreement. “He may not like any of them, but at least you’re giving him options.”

“I can’t take credit for that.” My phone dings again, and I ignore it again. “My mom did the same thing for me and my brothers. Reaf excels at art, always has, and Bryce went the football route.”

“What about you? What did you do in your youth?”

“None of that. I took the easy way out and stayed in my room to read.”

“Makes sense.” He picks up his water. “Oh, how much do I owe you for that damaged book? I know the library isn’t going to take that back.”

“Don’t worry about it. I was planning on keeping it anyway and paying for the lost book fee.”

“Such a rebel.”

“I have my moments.” I grin and pick up my phone when it dings for the third time. “Hold on, let me see what they need.”

Kate: Seriously, I need to know.

Kate: Nathan is here asking to speak to you.

Oh shit. That’s not good. He has barely called in the past three months about his son, and he chooses now to do it. In person of all things.

“I, uh, need to go.”

---