Page 11 of Love Like Ours

It had what appeared to be newer hardwood floors with several large deep-blue rugs scattered over the area.

There was a leather sofa and a chair facing a massive flat-screen television that hung over a gas fireplace. The kitchen was the biggest space in the room. It took up at least half of the area and had an island that was as big as her bed. Beautiful black cage lights hung over the stone countertop and four iron barstools sat along the bar area.

There was a small reading nook with a window seat filled with large comfortable-looking pillows where the dining room should have been. A small desk with a laptop sat against the wall, the dining room chandelier hanging directly over it.

“My office,” he said with a smile, noticing her gaze. “I don’t often have guests over for dinner. We can sit at the bar.” He motioned for her to come all the way inside.

She removed her coat and hung it next to his on the hook by the door. When she sat down at the bar, he walked over and opened the fridge.

“Beer?” he asked, glancing back at her.

“Sure,” she said, guessing that the liquor would warm her and possibly make her feel a little more relaxed. She was jumpy, shaky, and, underneath it all, thrilled to be able to spend time with him.

He popped the top on a couple of Coronas and set one down in front of her.

“Thanks for bringing dinner,” he said, motioning to an envelope. “I paid for the entire meal.” He slid it towards her.

“That wasn’t necessary.” She tried to slide it back towards him.

“Nope.” He slid it back. “Sneaky dates always have to pay for their meals.” He winked at her and started pulling the food out of the bag. “Did you walk here?” he asked with a frown.

“I walk to work and home,” she answered as she lifted the lid on the fresh guacamole she’d made before leaving work.

“Don’t have a car?”

“I have two, actually.” She shrugged. “I like walking more. Besides, it’s only four blocks.”

“In the snow and now in the dark,” he pointed out.

“It’s Pride, not New York,” she returned, though she’d spent plenty of nights walking home in the dark and snow in the city after classes. She decided to keep that information to herself.

He was still frowning as he took a sip of his beer. “So, are you ready to talk?” he asked as he opened his container of food. Seeing the tacos she’d brought for herself, he slid it towards her and took out his chimichanga. “What upset you earlier today?”

She shrugged and took a big bite of her taco, using it as an excuse not to answer.

“Your mother was a pretty amazing woman.” He took a bite of his own food.

“She was.” She nodded and then took a sip of the cold beer.

“Lucas and I chatted the other day at the hardware store.” She turned to look at him. “He’s been upset thinking about his kid not having a grandparent.”

She closed her eyes and set the beer down.

“Hey,” he said softly as a tear slipped down her cheek.

“She was looking forward to seeing her grandchild,” she whispered. Strong arms wrapped around her, holding her to his chest. “I’ve been so selfish since I came back, only thinking of how I’ll miss her. Until earlier today, not once did I think…” Her voice cracked again.

His fingers slipped into her hair, brushing it gently as she held onto him.

“How do you do it?” she asked, leaning back a little until his hands dropped away. “Aren’t you pissed? I mean, I’m sad, yes, but…” She shook her head. “I’m so mad at the world for taking her away too early.”

He sighed heavily. “Not everyone is dealt the same cards in life.”

“I know.” She leaned back in her chair. “Really, you and Parker have one another. Your parents are…”

“Assholes?” He shrugged. “Yeah, but we also had some really great people in our lives because of them. Parker had our grandmother. I had an aunt. We have cousins. Now we have each other.”

She nodded. “I’m thankful I have Lucas and Avery.”