“That I’d be a disaster of a father, like my old man.”
He shook his head. “No way. You’d be a much better father.”
“I don’t know, Royce.” I poked at the condensation on my glass. “I’m not good with children.”
He frowned. “It’s funny to me that you wouldn’t be good with them.”
“Is it? Why?”
“Because children have no filter, and you have no filter. I would think you’d understand each other. You get into trouble with adults because they expect you to be polite.”
“I suppose that’s true. I’m too blunt for most adults.”
“You take them off guard.” He shrugged. “Have you been around many children?”
I grimaced. “Not really. I’ve probably seen more children since switching to general practice. Iwouldn’t say we get along swimmingly, but then again, I don’t get along swimmingly with many people.”
“We get along very well.” He smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile back. “Yes we do.”
Royce watched me, looking as if he wanted to say something. I expected him to continue the kid conversation. I figured he’d continue trying to convince me I could be a good father if I really tried. But he didn’t.
“Has Mrs. Numi told you the date your escrow closes yet?” he asked.
Surprised he’d changed the subject, I nodded. “Yes. Supposedly, it will close at the end of next week.”
“That soon, huh?”
“It may not close on time. Things go wrong all the time with escrows.”
“Hopefully, it will all work out.” He held up his beer. “Here’s to a smooth escrow.”
“Thanks, Royce,” I said softly, clinking my glass to his.
His smile was warm. “I just want you happy, Max.”
My heart squeezed at his obvious sincerity. “I am happy.”
Henry appeared wearing heat-resistant oven mittens and holding a big platter of cheesy nachos. “Don’t burn yourself. This dish is as hot as the sun.”
“Thanks, Henry.” Royce cleared a spot for Henry to set the plate.
I inhaled the spicy scent of cheese, ground beef, and jalapenos. “Wow, that smells heavenly.”
Henry beamed. “We’re known for our nachos.”
Once Henry was gone, we each helped out selves to the nachos, putting the gooey, cheesy treat on little plates Henry had provided. We ate in silence for a while, and after a bit, Royce set his fork down with a satiated groan.
“So damn good.” He smiled across the table at me.
“Probably the best nachos I’ve ever had.” I didn’t bother mentioning I’d never before tried nachos. Not that these nachos weren’t delicious, because they were. But I could almost feel my arteries hardening from the dump of fat into my body.
Royce wiped his mouth with his napkin and after a moment said, “I’m gonna go call the hospital to check on Kyle’s condition.”
“Oh, okay.”
He scooted out of the booth. “Be right back.”
