“So, we probably need to establish more ground rules.”
“My schedule is rough. But give me a heads up, and I’ll move shit around. Football is going to take up my weekends, especially on away games, and I work every available shift around that, but I’ll do everything I can to be available for you both. I mean that.”
She bites her lip thoughtfully, and I imagine a
nother man kissing it. It doesn’t sit well with me, and I know then I have to stop fixating on a lost cause. “Okay. If things work out, I’m probably going to want to go on more dates.”
“Will you bring him around Dante?”
“I have never introduced any man to my son. You know that.”
“Our son. And I just don’t want to get him confused. I was just introduced, and my own title isn’t clear yet.”
She lifts her hands. “Too fast, Jenner. Just too fast. I assure you I won’t interrupt what’s just started, if you promise me you’ll keep things the way they are for now.”
“Deal.”
“Goodnight.” She nods toward my house.
“So, what does this new guy do?”
“He owns a real estate company. The one who rents our houses.”
“Nice. Good guy?”
She drops her gaze. “I’m tired.”
“Me too. So, is he?”
“He was nice in school. He seems to be now. We’ll see. People change.”
“You’re right. They do.” I lean in using her words to my advantage. Eyes locked, I get a whiff of her perfume. “They absolutely do.”
She rolls her eyes. “Goodnight.”
When the door shuts, I don’t have to look back to know she’s watching me. But I don’t acknowledge it or even entertain any of the possible reasons why. I can’t afford to make any more mistakes.
Lainey’s King Ranch Chicken
Finance Analyst, Omaha
Makes 8 servings
1 hour
3 lb. Chicken – Boiled & Deboned – See Note
12 Corn Tortillas – torn into chip size pieces
1 Onion – Chopped
1 Red Bell Pepper – Chopped
1/2 Stick Butter
1 Can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chile Peppers
2 Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup