Page 63

DATING AN OLDER MAN

“Do we need to talk about having an open relationship?”

I shivered. “It’s disturbing how comfortable you are joking about this.”

The lights in the Bistro on Maine had been turned off, and the dining room was lit only by candles.

All the tables had been pushed aside, leaving a single round table in the middle, complete with linens and note cards.

When I suggested a couple of six-packs of beer and burgers, Abraham scoffed.

He demanded a proper date. So far, this was fancier than my dates with Bobby.

“You’ve never gone on a date with your boyfriend’s dad before?” I didn’t have to see his face to know he grinned from ear to ear. “Just remember, only above-the-waist stuff.”

“You don’t talk to your future stepfather like that.” I was sure I’d be hearing jokes from the town for days. “Not to talk ill of your dad, but I’d much rather you walk through that door.”

“Five hundred bucks? I couldn’t afford that. When you go on sale, I’ll throw in a couple of bucks.”

I saw the shadow cross the window. “Gotta go. My future ex-husband has arrived.”

“Above the waist,” Bobby yelled into the phone as I hung up. All the Wright family had a twisted sense of humor. The more time I spent with Laurel and Will, the more I could see the familial similarities.

When the door opened, my jaw dropped. Abraham strode in, wearing a black suit and bright blue dress shirt. If I had known he was going to show up dressed to the nines, I’d have done the same.

“I haven’t worn this since Greta’s funeral.”

“Bobby’s mom?”

“My dog.” The people of Firefly took their four-legged friends seriously. “Is that what you wear when you take my son out? Christopher, I had higher expectations.”

I had worn my favorite polo, not thinking our date had a dress code. I worried a humorous gesture was about to turn into an awkward night of being grilled by my boyfriend’s father.

“Next date, I’ll up my game.”

“We’ll see if you get a next date!” He laughed. “I’m joking with you. I hear Edward gave you an initiation. What did you think?”

I could still taste the Moxie. No matter how many times I brushed my teeth, it persisted. “You’re all horrible people.”

I stepped around the table, pulling Abraham’s chair out. When he took his seat, I joined him across the table. In the candlelight, I found it hard to see any of Bobby in him. I had to assume he took after his mother. Will, on the other hand, could be the spitting image of a younger Abraham.

“How’s the play going?”

“We’re getting ready for opening. Laurel has stopped spiraling. At this rate, she might forget how stressed she was when it started.”

“She says you’re doing a great job with the kids. Seems you’re a natural.” The compliment hung in the air. I caught the waggle of an eyebrow. “If that’s something you and Bobby want.”

“I… I…” Bobby and I were a long way from discussing kids. They were fun—when I could return them to their parents.

“You’ve got no sense of humor. You can wipe the sweat off your brow. Bobby always wanted to be an uncle, not a dad.”

He walked a fine line between humor and frightening. I had a feeling that he intentionally put me through my paces. Underneath the serious face, I bet he was having the time of his life. What Dad wouldn’t put their kid’s new boyfriend through his paces?

“I stopped for coffee earlier, and Rita offered an interesting piece of gossip.” Abraham rested his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers together. “Something about a movie contract?”

“Yeah, my agent is in the works for a sequel to a superhero movie. She’s ironing out the details.”

“So, you’re leaving?”

A simple question with a dangerous sea of replies. If I said yes, I’d be leaving his son behind. If I said no, I’d be the bum without a job. I hadn’t had the chance to talk to Bobby about it.

“Bobby doesn’t know… yet.”

“I’m not here to meddle in your lives. Bobby’s a big boy and can take care of himself.”

“But… there’s always a but.”

Abraham nodded. “You didn’t meet Bobby at the convention, did you?” Abraham cut through our white lie without any judgment. “It doesn’t matter how you met, though the gossip mill is going to eat you alive.”

“We—”

“I haven’t seen my son this happy in a long time. I don’t really care how it started, as long as it’s real.”

His eyes softened in the candlelight. Despite his joking and usual snappy banter, we had reached the heart of tonight's conversation. There was no more sitting on the fence and debating how I wanted this to go. Abraham wanted the best for his son. It just so happened that I did, too.

“It’s real.”

“If you pick up and leave now, it’ll break his heart. I’m not saying stay for him. Just don’t go without him.”

Abraham's words reached into my chest and squeezed my heart. He didn't care how this unfolded as long as it included his son. Bobby didn't dictate my future, but he influenced it. This was a big decision, and I wanted his input before deciding. I felt I owed him that opportunity.

“I don’t know what the future holds.” It was the truth. I wished there was a clear, well-lit path in front of me. “But I’ll make sure Bobby gets a say.”

“That’s all a dad can ask for.”

The conversation came to a stop as Simon kicked the kitchen door open and strode in, holding a serving tray. He had been reluctant to be our date night host, but I promised him a special edition copy of Centurions for Jason’s birthday.

“I know you wanted something interesting.” Simon set the tray on the table. I was surprised to find burgers and French fries. “I elevated a classic by making a smash burger complete with a hatch chili sauce.”

“So, you made burgers and fries?” Abraham didn’t seem convinced it was anything other than a good old-fashioned burger.

“Well, yeah, but??—”

“Burgers and fries,” I said. “We’ll take it.”

Simon rolled his eyes. “You try to bring a little culture to a first date, and this is the thanks I get.” He took off the apron and headed toward the kitchen.

“Lock up when you lovebirds are done.” Yes, I’d be hearing about this for weeks to come.

Teasing aside, my stomach rumbled at the smell of Simon’s special sauce. Abraham already drowned his fries in ketchup, making sure none of them survived the red wave. I wasted no time taking a bite.

“Oh.”

“Good?”

“It’s horrible,” I lied. “You should let me have yours.”

“Kiddo, I’ll wrestle you to the ground before I let you have my meat.” Abraham froze before snorting and laughing hard enough to shake the table. Now I could see the resemblance between him and Bobby.

“Good sir, I don’t know what you’ve heard, but I’m not that kind of guy.”

“Right.” He didn’t seem convinced as he snapped a French fry, taking his first bite. “Bobby’s smile started the second day you arrived. Lucky for him, I think you are very much ‘that kind of guy.’” Yes, he used air quotes.

Did my boyfriend’s dad call me easy and turn it into a good thing? Abraham walked the fine line between buddy and protective father. I think our night was going well, but I wouldn’t know until Laurel reported back.

“Now, let’s talk about real estate in Firefly.”

“Real estate?”

“Bobby’s house isn’t big enough for two people, and that cabin is a long way from being done.”

“I hear you’ve got a few spare rooms.” Two could play this game. Though, it did bring up an interesting question about my future here.

“Over my dead body.”

“Come on, Dad.” I had never called a boyfriend’s parents Mom and Dad. “Nope, that just sounds weird.”

He picked up his burger, giving it a cautious sniff. When he took a bite, his expression shifted from put off to delighted.

“Fancy burger,” he said with a smile. “Let’s go with Abe.”

I could work with that. “All right, Abe, if we’re going to be the power couple of Firefly, you’re going to need to tell me about yourself.”

“Where to start…”