Page 46 of Heart

“Hey there,” said George, a little dumbstruck by the man’s good looks. “Welcome to David’s. How can we help you?”

“Hi. I’m Jack Keegan,” he said, extending his hand. “This is my son, Tommy.”

“Nice to meet you both. I’m George and this is May.”

“Are you guys not open yet?”

“We have a soft opening tonight.”

“I’m sorry. Guess I jumped the gun. My other son, Wilson, was here a few weeks back... swears a man promised him a free meal.” Jack chuckled. “His words, not mine.”

“Oh, I definitely remember Wilson. He’s quite the charmer. We met at May’s next door—Ruff Stuff. He was with a woman.”

“Rachel. Yes,” said Jack. “My ‘mother’—though she would never let me call her that.”

“So, you’re the guy with the Pit-Lab mix?” May asked.

“Maddy,” said Tommy.

“Of course, Maddy. How is Maddy?”

“Not bad,” said Jack. “—for a small horse.”

“Does she like the food we chose?”

“For sure. I need to get some more while we’re here, though... and maybe some chew toys. Something to distract her from shoes and the furniture.”

May laughed. “I’m sure we can find some toys to entertain her. I’m headed next door now.”

“Good luck with your opening tonight,” Jack said to George. “We’ll be back another time. I promise.”

“Wait, a minute. Hold up.” George said. “What’re you doing in a few hours?”

Jack looked at his watch. “D, my husband, is landing at Reagan National about now. I was just going to grab some takeout that we could warm up later.”

“I got a better idea. Why don’t you go with May and get Maddy’s food, then come back with your family later for dinner? On me. Say—seven o’clock?”

“Uh... wow. That’s tempting. D’s always complaining that we don’t go out anymore.”

“And be sure to extend the invitation toRachel,” he added, cutting his eyes at May, who was already well-aware of what he was instigating.

“OK. Yeah, I’ll be sure and call her. That’s very generous of you, George. Thanks.”

“Think nothing of it. I need plenty of folks here for a trial run.”

“Could I be so bold as to invite my mother-in-law, too? She doesn’t eat much, I promise.”

“Absolutely. And if you can think of anyone else, you have a plus-four. I’ve had three cancellations, so I’ve got plenty of room.”

Jack smiled big. “Fantastic. I’m so glad we stopped in. We’re big on supporting locals—especially those with food! What can I bring?”

“Nothing. Just your party and a big appetite. We’ll take care of the rest. How about it, Tommy?”

Tommy looked up at George. “Do you have cheese bread?”

“Do I have cheese bread?” George said, overemphasizing. He squatted eye-level with the boy. “I’ll have you know that cheese bread is one of my specialties. That, and ravioli. You like ravioli?”

“WOW!” Tommy said, eyes wide. “Like Chef Boyardee?”