“Like beavers. We learned in class that beavers mate for life, and even if they get separated, they’ll never stop coming back to each other. I’ve never seen a real beaver, but Mama says maybe we can visit one in captivity someday soon.”
“That’s right, buddy. We’re just like beavers.”
“’Cept you both wear clothes!” He laughs at his joke.
Jon chuckles under his breath, but I catch him murmur, “Sometimes,” causing Derek to laugh too.
“Drew’s not joining us?” Derek asks. Before I can answer, I notice Jon’s smile drop to a tight grimace.
“Claire has a cold so he’s staying home.” I respond.
Derek nods. “That’s too bad, but I understand. We’re still gonna have a great time, aren’t we guys?”
“Yeah!” Eli shouts and Ezra does the same. Their energy is infectious. Today will be a great day. Some much needed guy time with a few of my favorite people.
A morning out in the desert leaves us starving and Jon drives us to my favorite new joint. “This place rocks. Best hamburger in the city, hands down.” I rub my grumbling stomach through my cotton T-shirt as we climb out of the truck.
“That’s what you said about Joe’s Farm last year.” Jon laughs.
I tug my lips into a smile. “Yeah, but then this place opened.”
“I’m not picky. I’m just starving.” Derek groans.
“Us, too. Aren’t we, Ez?” My younger nephew agrees.
“Yeah, Eli. I’m ravished.”
“Ravished, huh? Big words they’re teaching you in third grade.” I rub Ezra’s hair, messing it up with my fingers as we step inside The Counter, a build your own gourmet burger kind of place in downtown. Evie and I come here all the time. I love the quality and she appreciates a fantastic meal. We’re a match made in foodie heaven.
“Table for five,” Jon requests of the hostess when she greets us, and she leads us to a spot near the bar. Rolling garage doors serve as windows and open up to the street, allowing a light breeze to cool my skin. We peruse the menu, order drinks, and catch the end of the Dodgers game on the TV screens that line the bar while we wait for our food.
“Tate?Tate.” I glance to the right where my client Lindsay is walking toward our table.
“Oh, hey, Lindsay.” I stand to greet her but she opens her arms wide and squeezes me in a tight hug before I can wave or shake her hand.
She pulls out of my arms and steps back to place her hands on her hips. “It’s so funny to see you here! You’ve been going on and on about this place so I thought I’d give it a try. You must really love it!” She laughs and my smile broadens. I do have a tendency to go overboard about the great food finds Evie and I come across, and with Lindsay new to town, I feel inclined to give her some pointers.
Lindsay glances over my shoulder, then points behind her. “Well, I better get back to my table for one and let you get back to your friends.” She takes a short step back, but I feel bad for her. I get the feeling she eats alone more than not.
“Do you want to join us?” The question tumbles from my lips, but when her smile brightens, I know I made the right choice. I remember how lonely it was moving to a new city, but at least I had family. Lindsay’s social calendar involves going to work and the gym.
“You sure? Looks like guy time.” She pulls the corner of her bottom lip between her teeth.
“It’s fine. We can pull up another chair. But only if you want.”
She meets my stare and her eyes crinkle with her smile. “Thank you.”
I turn back to our group and ignore the way Jon’s brow lifts with his frown. “Lindsay, this is Jon, Derek, and my nephews, Eli and Ezra.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Lindsay’s a client from the gym. We knew each other back in Cali, and she recently relocated to Arizona for a job.”
The guys offer polite greetings and I pull over an extra chair.
“I thought no girls were allowed.” Ezra pouts.
“You’re really pretty,” Eli says.
