CHAPTER 14
“Would you like to order or did you need still a few more minutes?” Stacy Timmons, the twins’ former babysitter, asked for the third time.
Ali glanced down at her phone. Mrs. D was a no show. She and Keaton had been at the restaurant for over twenty minutes now and there was still no sign of the woman who had called the meeting. Ali was starting to worry.
“I think we need a couple of minutes,” Keaton told her once again.
“Oh, okay, just let me know if you need anything,” She smiled at him and then turned and sashayed toward the kitchen.
Ali noticed that there was an extra twinkle in Stacy’s eyes every time she spoke to Keaton. At first, she thought it was cute that “little Stacy” had a crush. But then she remembered that “little Stacy” had just graduated from Penn State. They weren’t that far apart in age but for some reason Ali perpetually saw the boys’ old babysitter as a brace-faced teenager.
But the reality was the twins were teenagers now. Before too long they would be in high school. The world had kept going but Ali had been in a holding pattern.
It felt like she’d been sleepwalking through the past year and half of her life and was only now waking up.
“Are you okay?” Concern colored Keaton’s expression.
“Oh, yeah.” Ali was a pro at wiping away any trace of sadness from her face. KJ might be loud, rebellious, and inconsiderate but he could also be extremely sensitive and if he thought she was upset, he would get upset. “I was just wondering where Mrs. D was. I’m going to call her.”
Ali picked up her phone and saw a text from the woman in question.
I won’t be able to make it. You two go on without me. I expect a full report on Tuesday.
Ali’s brow furrowed and she turned her phone so Keaton could see it.
After reading it, his eyes met hers. “What’s Tuesday?”
“Knitting club.” She stared at the text again and then looked up at him. “Do you have any idea what we are supposed to go on with? She said something about the budget and the upcoming season but no specifics.”
Keaton leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he read the text again. “I have no idea. Mrs. D cornered me yesterday and asked me about an email I never got then told me to be here at seven for a budgeting meeting. She said ‘look spiffy.’” He made air quotes to emphasize her last direction.
“Same here. Except instead of spiffy she said to wear my Sunday best.” She glanced down at the peach maxi dress she’d chosen. It was looser on her than it used to be so instead of hugging her curves it just kind of flowed over them, but it was the nicest thing in her wardrobe.
“Well, you look really nice.”
Ali noticed Keaton blinked slowly when he said really. It was a small, nearly imperceptible motion, but it was kind of sexy.
“Thanks.” Ali felt her own eyes twinkling. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d flirted with anyone. Unless she counted the night before in the hallway with Kade, which she didn’t since he’d jumped away from her like he’d just touched the stove. “You clean up real nice yourself.”
Ali had only seen Keaton in his gi and jeans and a T-shirt. But tonight he was wearing black slacks and a crisp white button up. She almost did a double take when she first saw him earlier.
“Well, I guess we should order and then start with the budget from last year.” He turned in his chair and raised his arm to get Stacy’s attention. His shirt was rolled up and Ali couldn’t help but notice how strong his forearm looked.
The sight caused a small army of butterflies to flutter in her belly and a lightning bolt realization struck her. It was an Oprah “aha” moment on steroids.
“I know what this is!” She slapped her hands on the table.
He looked back at her. “What, what is?”
“This.” She waved her hand between them as a satisfied grin lifted on her face. “This is a set up.”
“Are you guys ready to order?” Stacy approached the table with an eager lilt in her voice.
“I’m…,” Keaton glanced between the two women, “…not sure.”
“We need another minute, Stace.” Ali held up her pointer finger and when she saw that Stacey was getting justifiably irritated, she added, “Sorry.”
Once again, Stacey walked away and Ali leaned closer to Keaton. “Okay, you know Mrs. D and her friends—”