Page 24 of Ma Belle Marguerite (Hidden Secrets #1)

While walking across the field, I ask Remi, “What’s your favorite place to eat?

Your mom needs to pick up a few outfits for her new job with me.

We can all go out together and have supper since it’s getting late.

” I don’t want Bella to have the chance to back out.

Is this a dirty play? Maybe. Do I care? Not really.

I get Bella’s death glare, but it doesn’t scare me.

It just gives me a semi at the most awkward time.

I don’t think there is anything she can do that would turn me off.

Those squinty eyes and scrunched nose are more sexy than scary for me.

She knows exactly what I just did and can’t back out now without being the bad guy.

Remi misses his mother’s glare at me, “I love pizza. Brielle, not so much. It’s hard to find a place with something we both like.

” I didn't expect him to agree so quickly, but I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Plus, promising teenage boys food is the way to their friendship.

I will provide as much food as I need to in order to get on his good side.

“I know the perfect place. It’s a local diner, and we can stop at it on our way to the mall.” I see Bella roll her eyes out the corner of my eye. “It has a little bit of everything, so I am sure you will both find something you like.”

Remi nods his head eagerly and runs over to his Matantes.

“What the hell was that?” Bella asks as she continues to glare at me. I can hear the annoyance in her voice.

Trying not to be too smug and make her even angrier, I say, “I didn’t want to give you the chance to back out. I told you that you are moving in with me. There is no other option.” The sooner she realizes this, the easier everything will be for everyone.

Huffing, Bella turns and storms away. Well, I guess that wasn’t a no. I’ll take it as a small win for now.

Following behind her, I hear Brielle squeal with excitement as she talks to her brother. “Mom, are we going shopping?”

So shopping is the way to Brielle’s heart. I’ll have to remember that in the future. I may need to pull out all the stops to get Bella to agree, and I'm not above bribery.

She sounds defeated. “Yes, I need some new work clothes. We aren’t going for much, though.”

Wanting to win some good favor with Brielle, I say, “This shopping trip is on me since I’m your Mom’s new boss, and I’m the reason she needs new clothes.

So you can all get some new things. A few new bathing suits and such; you can never have enough of those.

Besides I have a pool at my place you guys can use. ”

Cutting her eyes at me, Bella butts in, “We’ll see. We are going to get some supper first, though. We can talk more then.”

“Have fun, guys,” Camille says as she turns to walk away with a smirk on her face. What does she know that has her looking at us like that?

Giselle looks at me and winks, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Which isn’t much.”

They must have discussed something to do with me. From these reactions, I’m hoping it was all good.

“See you tomorrow,” Bella yells as they walk away.

“Where are we going to eat?” Brielle asks her mom.

“Some local restaurant that opened soon after I moved away. Rex here says it’s the best food and selection we can get here now.” Bella tells her as she puts her arm around Brielle.

“One of my best friend's family owns it. His grandmother is usually the one cooking. She’s the best cook I’ve ever met.” It’s hard not to brag; I am a silent partner in the restaurant after all.

Remi scoffs at me, “We’ll see. My mom is hard to beat! She’s the best cook there is.”

Laughing, I look at him and say, “Well, I guess I’ll have to try some of her cooking soon.”

“Let’s go eat,” Bella says as she grabs Remi by the arm and turns both kids towards where we had parked beside the school.

As we approach my truck, Remi lets out a low whistle. “Nice ride! I’ve always wanted to have a truck like this when I get old enough.”

A boy after my own heart. It’s hard not to be satisfied with his obvious approval of my truck.

“Well, you only have a few years before you can get your beginner's license. I’m sure we can find something between now and then.” I say it loud enough for Remi to hear me as I lean closer to him, but hopefully not Bella.

I’m sure she’d skin me alive if she heard.

Remi gets a big, goofy grin on his face as he exclaims, “Shotgun!” He pulls his arm from Bella’s and runs to the truck like a puppy excited to get a treat.

Both Brielle and Bella roll their eyes at his antics and walk to the truck's back doors, like this is a completely normal occurrence for them.

“Toss your stuff in the box and climb in.” I pull out my phone and text Josh about my plans for the evening. He can track my phone, but I want some semblance of privacy tonight.

I don’t want to be disturbed. I'm having supper and then going to the mall with Bella and the kids. I need to get her to move into my place tonight. Only call me if it is an emergency.

I climb into the truck, and everyone is settled in and ready to go.

Looking around quickly, I feel content. Remi is practically shaking with excitement, and Brielle is happily typing away on her phone while Bella looks over at her kids.

I haven’t felt this way since she left. I’ll do anything to keep them here in my life.

I may not know these kids yet, but there is something that draws me to them.

I want to know them and be there for them.

It’s a quick drive to the restaurant, as it isn’t far from the school. When we get there, Remi is the first out and still looks super excited. The girls are a bit slower, but both look at the building with interest.

“Come on, I got my own special booth here,” I say as I walk towards the door to hold it open for them. I need to pull out the big guns with these kids tonight and win them over fast.

As soon as I walk through the door, I see Grandma bringing plates to a table. She never stops, that woman. “Hey, Grandma, I have a few guests with me tonight. We’ll be in my usual place. No rush!” I say to her as I walk by, give her a kiss on the cheek, and head towards my spot.

Grandma nods my way quickly as she finishes serving her table. She doesn’t notice Bella and the kids. Otherwise, I’m sure her reaction would be very different.

We get to my favorite spot, which has a clear view of all the entrances and exits.

I can’t afford for someone to catch me off guard.

Bella and Brielle slide into one side of the booth, while Remi slides in first on the other.

I follow them and wait while they check out the menu.

I already know what I want. I always order the same thing.

A few moments later, Grandma walks up to the table with a massive grin on her face. I know this is going to be one hell of a mess. “Rex! Who did you bring in here? Have you been hiding a family from me?” She says, while throwing a wink Bella's way.

“Slow down, Grandma,” I say. “This is my old friend Bella and her twins, Remi and Brielle.”

“Nice to meet you, Grandma. Rex has said nothing but amazing things about your cooking. He said we had to try it,” Bella says, much to Grandma's pleasure.

Looking at Bella, Grandma says, “Oh, that boy will say anything to get a little extra food sent his way.” Laughing to herself for a moment, she looks back at me questioningly and says, “This boy has never brought a lady friend here before.”

There it is. Grandma is trying to meddle. Little does she know, this woman is the reason I have never brought another ‘lady friend’ here before. She is the only one for me; always has been and always will be.

“Grandma,” I say with a cautious tone. “We just stopped in for some supper before running some errands. I will get my usual, please. A pitcher of your homemade iced tea, as well.”

Sighing, Grandma seems to get the hint, “Okay, for now.” She gives me a look to let me know this isn’t the last I will hear about this. “Do you need more time to look at the menu?” she asks as she looks at Brielle.

“I would love to try the bacon poutine , please it sounds delicious,” Brielle says.

“Good choice. You can’t beat Grandma’s homemade fries and gravy. She uses fresh cheese curds too, not shredded cheese. Add in the bacon, and it’s like heaven in a bowl,” I tell Brielle.

Remi pipes up and says, “I would like the same, please, and thank you.” He smirks at Brielle. I wonder what that is about.

Grandma looks over to Bella, waiting for her answer.

“Surprise me, I love everything on the menu,” Bella says with a smile. She has no idea what monster she just unleashed. This table is about to be overflowing with food.

Squealing with delight, Grandma claps her hands together and says, “I will be right back!” She turns as quick as she can and shuffles away towards the kitchen, mumbling to herself excitedly.

“You have no idea how happy you just made her,” I tell Bella. This means so much more to me than she knows.