Catherine handed everyone a plate with chocolate cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The children scattered. The adults left them to it while they converged into the living room and dining room to talk.
Duncan introduced Rory to a few people he hadn’t met. Two men sat with Catherine at the dining room table.
“Eddie, this is my brother, Rory,” he said.
“Eduardo Perez, but everyone calls me Eddie.” Eddie stood and extended a hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too,” Rory said.
Eddie stood a head shorter than Rory. Mahogany hair and beard, square jaw, and deep-brown eyes. His shirt hid a beer belly, and Rory wanted a peek. His eyes lingered a few seconds longer than needed on his broad chest.
“That’s my son, Parker.” Eddie pointed to a dark-haired boy who was unmistakably his son.
“He’s adorable,” Rory said, sitting down. He’d been on his feet since he arrived and took the opportunity to sit.
“Duncan tells me you are finishing your degree and working at the college in San Jose.”
“Yes, I’m earning my master’s in electrical engineering. I work part-time as an instructor at the college.”
“That’s amazing. I didn’t get a chance to go to college, but I did an apprenticeship for a landscaper. Taught me everything I know. Now I own my own landscaping business, so if you’re ever in the market for an upgrade to your front or backyard, I’m your man.”
“I don’t own a house yet,” Rory said. “I’m not sure if I want to stay in Gilroy or move to San Jose to be closer to work.”
“Oh, I can do either for you. I have offices in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and Hollister. I don’t do much of the work myself outside of Gilroy, but for a friend, I’ll make an exception,” Eddie said.
“Great, I’ll keep you in mind.”
Next, Duncan introduced him to Catherine’s brother-in-law, Thomas Jones. Thomas stood to shake hands.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Rory said.
“Nice to meet you too,” Thomas said.
Thomas was half a foot taller than Rory. He didn’t look up to talk to people often. He was thick and muscular, and his tight shirt revealed six-pack abs. This man worked out. His shoulder-length blond hair hung loose. Pale-blue eyes rounded out his features.
Thomas didn’t say much and preferred to keep to himself. Rory didn’t know what to make of him.
Rory grabbed another piece of cake and ice cream. He sat in the living room. He needed some quiet time.
“Is that your second piece?” his mother asked. Rory stopped mid-bite.
“Yes,” he said.
“I thought you were trying to lose weight?” Her nostrils flared.
He’d lied to her. He had no intention of losing weight because he loved the way he looked.
“It’s a party,” he said.
“Still, just a little bit of fun will ruin your diet,” she said. She took the plate from him. “There’s a veggie platter. Why not have some of those?”
Rory walked to the table and grabbed a plate of veggies.
He sat on the front porch alone. He took bites of carrots. He’d hoped to have a piece of the cobbler he’d made. His mother wouldn’t approve.
“Why are you out here alone?” Eddie sat next to him.
“Oh, I just needed some fresh air,” Rory said, looking at him.
