“You see what I mean? Sweetest young lady, even though she makes me work like a dog.”
I smile down at him.
“You push yourself with your motivation. I’m just there to make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly. You are by far my easiest client.”
“I told your boys, Jonah, that she was just amazing. Now you know I never lie, so I don’t know why you and your boys questioned me.”
I look over at who is chastising Pa and I see one of my former clients.
“Mrs. Johanson. I had no idea you knew this lot. So good to see you!”
“Darling, I’m the one who recommended you to them. Me and my boy, Mick. They doubted what good things I said about you, and now they’re eating their words.”
“It’s all good, Mrs. Johanson. It’s pretty common for family members to be a little unsure when hiring outside help for another family member. I would’ve worried if they didn’t question and look up my references.”
“Well, since you’re no longer working for me, no more of this Mrs. Johanson bullshit. Call me Romona, dear.”
Nodding my head at her, I turn back to Pa as he starts to make more introductions around the table.
“Sweet Jane, let me introduce you to some of my closest friends. This is Grant, he was my VP, and best friend since we were kids. You’ve met Romona. This is Erik, my brother-in-law. His wife, Celeste, couldn’t make it.”
Ma, Grant and Romona make faces, and I know there has to be a story about this Celeste that’s not being told.
“It’s a pleasure to meet y’all. So, you all are the original members of the club?”
Pa answers me, “These fine men are. We’re just missing a couple more members—our friends Jackson, Wyatt, and their wife, Anna, are on a cruise for their anniversary, but you’ll meet them at the next family day.”
Ma, who is sitting next to me, squeezes my arm as I try to close my mouth from surprise.
“She’s someone I think you’ll really like, and she’s a great source of experience. You might like to learn from her one of these days.”
“I would definitely like to meet her one day. You say she’s married to both of them?”
“Well, legally, she’s only married to one, but they had a commitment ceremony years ago. She’s considered them both her husbands since then. I think they’ve been married close to thirty years. Their boys are here somewhere. One is a member and one is a prospect.”
I certainly will have some questions for Anna when I get to meet her.
Before I can ask Ma anything else, Jon calls out, “Food’s on. Come and get it!”
All the kids wait at their table and don’t run to get food. In fact, the only people moving to get their plates filled are the people sitting directly around me. Pa starts to walk over there with his cane and I realize that he’s going to possibly have an issue with getting his food and bringing it back. I hop up and walk over to the tables with all the delicious smelling food.
“Pa, I know you’re doing well, but why don’t I hold your plate and you tell me what you want? I can get it and bring it back to the table for you.”
Smiling at me, Pa starts, “Sweetheart, you are too kind. You know as our guest you should go first, but knowing how stubborn you are, I’m not going to argue this with you. Plus, I’ve been married a long time and I know when it’s just best to agree and make everyone happy.”
Chuckling at his smartass comment, I follow him, dishing up some delicious-looking food. As we get back to the table and I place his food down for him, he nods his thanks and sits down. I turn to make my way back over to the table when Jon walks up to join me. He really is a fine drink of water and has that whole smoldering look going for him.
Jon
Watching Jane make sure Pa got food and was settled without a second thought is just another example of the kind of person she is. She doesn’t just do it when people are looking and will recognize it. She does it when she sees something needs getting done or a person needs help. She steps in without a second thought.
I’ve wanted to check in with her after hearing from Mads and Juan that the hang around Kathleen said some awful shit to her, which will not go unpunished. We don’t need those kinds of people here.
“Hey, darlin’. Heard you had a bit of a run-in with someone a bit ago. I want to make sure you’re okay.”
She looks up at me with those eyes that I can feel look into my soul. Those freckles on her cheeks are just begging to be kissed.
“I’m fine, Jon. You don’t get to my age without having to deal with my share of people like that. Thank you for checking on me, though. You get a plate of food yet?”
