Including him, but that wasn’t because of her organizational skills. “For sure, she doesn’t hesitate to get right in there and work with everyone else.”
The memory of Natalie biting that sexy lower lip as she guided his saw along the lines he’d drawn had him smiling. Depending on how their date went on Thursday, maybe Saturday he’d let her try out his cordless drill.
His mother jarred him out of his happy daydream. “You didn’t mention her name.”
No, he hadn’t, but there was no reason to keep it a secret, even if he didn’t tell his mom that he already had a date with her. “Natalie Kennigan.”
The look on his mother’s face had Tino sitting up straighter. “What? Does that name mean something to you? Have you met her?”
Because he did not want to be dating one of his mother’s many acquaintances. She was very active in her church’s outreach programs and had become friends with people of all different ages in the process.
“I’ve never met her in person, but the local high school got a big technology grant from the same foundation. From what I’ve read in the paper, Natalie Kennigan is more than a project manager for the Waines Foundation. She took over running the whole thing when Cyrus Waines retired. He’s her grandfather.”
Tino’s good mood disappeared. Suddenly, that obligation Natalie mentioned took on a whole different meaning in his mind. No doubt it was some fancy shindig and involved hanging out with a bunch of people who made more in a year than he had in his entire military career. What was she doing accepting a date with the likes of him? And where the hell was he going to take her that wouldn’t feel like slumming for her? Maybe he should come up with an excuse to cancel, but that would be taking the coward’s way out.
“Is something wrong?”
He managed a reassuring smile. “No, everything is fine. I’m just trying to get my head around the idea that the woman I met has that kind of clout.”
“Why? What was she like?”
“She was right in the thick of things all day. She helped paint the walls in the gym, served pizza at lunch, and even helped with the cleanup when it was time for everyone to call it a day. No one seemed surprised by what she was doing, so it wasn’t like one of those photo ops you hear so much about.”
“Well, that’s nice to hear. Too many people think they can fix things just by throwing money at it. It takes boots on the ground to get the job done and have it mean anything.”
Tino realized that it had gotten dark while they were talking. “I hate to desert you, Mom, but it’s been a long day. I’m going to hit the gym and then turn in.”
“I’ll probably already be at church when you get up in the morning. Will you be around to eat dinner with me? I could cook a roast with all the fixings.”
“I would never turn down one of your dinners.” He stood up and stretched. “But if you don’t feel like cooking, I’d be happy to take my best girl out to eat. You can even pick the restaurant.”
Marlene gave him a quick hug. “I don’t mind cooking, but I wouldn’t mind trying that new barbecue restaurant your brother is always going on about.”
“Then it’s a date. Maybe I should call Jack and see if he, Caitlyn, and the kid want to meet us there.”
“That would be nice. It’s been awhile since we’ve all gotten together.”
“I’ll let you know what he says.”
“Sounds good.” She opened the back door but then turned back. “And for the record, son, I don’t mind being your date at a family dinner, but maybe you should be looking for a nice woman your own age to fill that role in your life.”
“Yes, Mother, I’ll get right on that.”
He managed not to roll his eyes, but just barely. She’d been saying the same thing to him and his brothers since they were all in their early twenties. Now that Jack was happily married, she’d stepped up her efforts on Tino and Mikhail.
She knew him well enough to know that he hadn’t really meant he’d start looking. “I’m serious, Tino. All Joe and I ever wanted was for all three of our boys to be happy.”
“I know that, Mom, but right now I have enough on my plate without trying to have a serious relationship with someone.”
He ignored the image of Natalie’s bright smile that flashed through his mind.
“As far as I can tell, you don’t have anything on your plate these days.” Marlene held up her hand to cut off his protest. “I know it takes awhile to adjust to civilian life after nearly ten years in the army, but it’s not like you to not have a plan in mind for what comes next. I’ll support whatever decision you make, but I hate seeing you floundering like this.”
Tino’s temper slipped loose. “I’ve only been home a few weeks, Mom. Before that, I spent most of my time serving in hell, so why don’t you cut me some slack?”
He stalked off into the darkness before he said something else he’d regret. At least he didn’t slam the door behind him as he took refuge in the annex. Maybe that workout he’d mentioned would take the edge off. For sure, it was tempting to chuck a few of the weights against the wall, but they’d only just repaired the damage his older brother had caused doing that exact thing.
After a few reps, he dropped the free weights back down on the rack and dug his cellphone out of his pocket. It would probably mean more if he apologized to his mother in person or at least with an actual phone call. Instead, he sent her a text that was short, if not sweet.Sorry. I’m an idiot. I love you.
