Page 119 of Saints & Sailors

We washed our hands and began our separate dinner duties. I was creating a salad, Scott was preparing the clams while the pasta boiled, and my mother was making the garlic bread. Three people in the kitchen sounded crowded, but we made it work.

“This garlic butter smells delicious,” my mother commented as she finished smearing it on to some fresh Italian bread from Marty’s bakery.

“I use that for everything,” Scott insisted.

My mother tore a piece of bread off and dipped it into the garlic butter and ate it. Her brows shot up. “Oh, that’s good.” Without even seeming to think it over she fed a piece to Scott, like she’d done it a dozen times before.

Adverting my gaze, I added croutons to the salad. More, I pulled my phone out and shot Dreux a text, needing a distraction.

Me

Making dinner with my parents. It’s like I’m a third wheel

Dreux

How we feeling about it?

Me

I love the way he looks at her. Like he’s prepared to worship her for the rest of his life

Dreux

Can you handle that?

I paused, looking up and catching Scott speaking lowly to my mother. She was flushed and focused on him completely. It had never been that way back home. I’d yet to see Scott breathe in the direction of another woman. They almost had it eighteen years ago, but life got in the way. Could it really work now?

Me

I think so

Dreux

Maybe it’ll be okay if you sit back and let them find their way together or apart

Dreux

Gotta be honest. I’ve lived next door to Scott for practically my whole life. I’ve NEVER seen him bring a woman home. The guy just goes to work, fishes, or plays in his band

That was no way to live.

Scott made his mistakes, but he was older now, wiser, and more mature.

Me

Let’s hope for the best

Dreux

I’m here for you regardless

Me

Thanks

“So, are we moving? Or is Richard?” I brought up, curious about what lay ahead in LA.

My mother settled away from Scott. She collected the baking sheet and put it in the oven. “Richard’s moving out. With you here in Meadow Grove, I gotta admit, it’s way too much house for me.”