He nods, then turns toward the door. “If you quit sniffing your shirt, you’ll get more work done.”
“Thanks for the tip.” I wave my hand in dismissal and get back to work. It’s an hour until lunch, and there’s still a lot I need to get done.
* * *
When I getto the mess hall for dinner, Bluebonnet is waiting on the porch. “Hi. Good day?”
“Long. Had a lot to catch up on after being gone. You?”
“Pretty good. Marilyn, the office manager, was way nicer to me. I guess because I’m now married and not angling to steal Mitch away from her.”
“Didn’t know they were a thing.”
“They aren’t. She’s just made it obvious.”
If Marilyn made it obvious to Bluebonnet, she’s likely taken out ads in the paper. Blatant is the word that comes to mind. “Wow.”
“And I know what you’re thinking. I miss out on subtle things, but I’m good at seeing patterns. She’s into Mitch Monroe.”
“Patterns, huh?” I just need to figure out the right series of actions and repeat them over and over.
“Also, I think you’re right about Dag and Goldie. At least about Goldie. She gets a certain look in her eye when he’s around. I can’t figure out Dag though.”
“Pretty sure figuring him out is a lost cause. None of us have been able to.”
She laces her fingers with mine. “We should go eat. You look really tired.”
“I am, but I like hearing you talk about your day.” I kiss her forehead. “And I like that you don’t run screaming when I smell like a barn.”
“Guess where I spent my day. We’re compatible that way.” She bumps against my arm. “And Paisley and crew got moved in. Your parents will be so surprised on Sunday.”
“That’ll be fun.” I always like spending time with my sister and her family, and having them closer will thrill my parents.
We walk into dinner and get in line. As we inch toward the food, Bluebonnet tells me more about her day.
Once we have plates piled with food, we sit across from Kent and Poppy. I’m hoping the idea of double dating comes up because there are only upsides to dating my wife.
Mason carries his plate full of seconds to the table and plops down next to Poppy. She’s always between Kent and Mason. There might as well be assigned seats.
Archer sits beside me. “Mason, how’s your first week of school?”
The poor kids don’t even get until after Labor Day before they have to go back to the classroom.
Mason drops his fork onto his plate. “Not too bad. I made a new friend.”
Dag grins. “Is she a cutie?”
Mason’s head bobs up and down. “Oh yeah. Her hair is orange and curly.”
The guys all laugh, and Poppy shoots Dag a look.
Mason pushes his plate away and leans forward. “She’s kinda short, and some other kids were making fun of her for that because of her name. So I sat by her at lunch.”
Dag looks down the table. “What’s her name?”
“Minnie.”
Several of the guys, and even Poppy, bite back laughs.
