Chapter 27
Back at the house, Julian was checking on a few things for work before they headed to Mrs. Del Rio's. They were going to a house full of people, and Rob wished he could spend more time with him alone to make sure he was really OK. Too bad Rob couldn't drag him away from his office.
While Julian was busy, Rob and Christie went along with Danny so Lenny could have his walk. The dog groomer had put a new bow in Lenny's hair, which he was likely to lose by the end of the day, so Rob made sure to take pictures. That reminded him to take some selfies with Christie too. Running ahead of them with Lenny, Danny was happy that he would get to bring his little buddy to Thanksgiving dinner.
It was going to be a good Thanksgiving. Even that jerk Thayer couldn't spoil this day, but Christie wasn't going to let Rob forget about what went down any time soon. "I can't believe you, Rob. And I thought small towns were supposed to be peaceful."
"It's all good," Rob told her, but inside, he was still pissed. For that guy to come all the way here to harass Julian... Rob wanted to kick the crap out of him, and he admired Julian for staying so calm, at least on the surface. Rob could only imagine how much self-control it took not to lash out at Thayer.
Going to Mrs. Del Rio's for Thanksgiving dinner was going to be a good diversion from all that. Once Julian came out to tell them he was ready, they could get on their way.
Outside Mrs. Del Rio's gate, dozens of cars turned the side of the road into a parking lot. At least they had a nice walk up the path to her front door. Mrs. Del Rio's garden was a riot of fall colors with orange and yellow lights strung up everywhere.
There was even more going on inside the house. Wreaths and boughs with leaves and berries in every color decorated the doorways. The place was lit up and guests were milling around with drinks in hand.
Seeing all the Thanksgiving decorations plus Mrs. Del Rio's flashy decorating style, Danny couldn't get enough as he kept pointing out things to Lenny. Of course Lenny was in his sniff everything mode.
"There is our hostess. Let's go say hello and thank her for having us," Julian said, addressing Danny.
They introduced Christie to her and Mrs. Del Rio greeted her warmly. "Of course Rob would have a pretty sister," Mrs. Del Rio said to her.
She was barely done complementing Christie before Lara swooped in and whisked her away. "Thanks for bringing her," Lara said, like Christie was there purely for her benefit.
Now Mrs. Del Rio turned her attention to Danny. "Look at this precious boy and this precious doggy. You ready to stuff your little faces?"
"Lenny can have Thanksgiving too," Danny said to her.
"He is such a good doggy, of course he can," Mrs. Del Rio said and she got down to show Lenny some love.
While they were greeting Mrs. Del Rio, Wyatt texted them to bring Danny and Lenny out back. That's where the kids and the dogs were playing in the leaves, under orange and yellow lanterns. Sam and Wyatt were out there with them, getting in on the fun.
As soon as they stepped out, Danny started bouncing on the back porch. He couldn't wait to go and play with the other kids, but first he looked up at Julian and Rob to see if it was OK. With their permission, he and Lenny were off. There was giggling and kicking up leaves, and Danny ran over and threw a handful of leaves up in the air.
Now it was just Julian and Rob on the porch and whoever chose to accost them. Bringing them some beers, Rico and Mitch came out there too.
"It certainly is festive here," Julian said to them with a smile.
"If her shindig doesn't give the festival a run for its money, Grandma isn't happy," Rico said then he wheeled on Julian. "And you! Why wasn't I the first to hear about this boyfriend thing?"
"The first?" Rob said. Actually Rob had found out about his official status as a boyfriend at the same time Rico did, but he wasn't about to tell him that.
"I promise to keep you apprised of any future developments in a timely and expeditious manner," Julian told Rico in a very businesslike way.
That only made Rico madder. "You are in so much trouble."
"Be good," Mitch told him. "Didn't you want your parents to see how serious and mature you are?"
"Ugh parents. Do you know what kind of pressure I'm under?" Rico complained to Julian and Rob.
Julian tried to match him. "Rob's sister is here."
Rico shook his head. "You can't compare a sister to parents."
"She and Rob are very close, and she disapproves of him taking this job and staying here," Julian told him.
Rob didn't realize he knew that. "Did she say something?"
Before Julian could answer, Rico jumped in with his own question. "How can she not approve of you? She should be glad Rob got his hands all over you." Rico mimed grabby hands.
