Page 153 of Contentious

“The wine is perfect. Thank you.”

“Our pleasure.”

When Cresley took a bite of the tasty pasta, the flavors exploded on her tongue, and suddenly, she was ravenous. “This is delicious.”

“Mom’s pasta was one of our favorites back in the day,” Carson said.

“I need to cook for you guys more often,” Kate said. “Reinstitute Sunday dinners.”

“My RSVP is a yes,” Spencer said, making everyone laugh.

“Is anyone else as shocked as I am to be hanging out with Cresley Dane or that she seems to truly dig Carson?” Jackson asked.

The others erupted in laughter.

“Haha,” Carson said.

“I do dig Carson,” Cresley said, “although he’s probably had more than enough of me after this last week.”

“I haven’t had nearly enough of you,” Carson said with a meaningful smile for her.

“Ew,” Jack said. “Way to make it gross, bro.”

“You started it, idiot.”

“I apologize for my children,” Kate said. “I did what I could with them.”

“We came out this way,” Kaidan said. “And it’s gotten much worse as we get older, so we like to apologize to new people in advance. Sorry, Isla and Cresley.”

Julian, who had his arm around Isla while they shared a plate of pasta, pretended to put a hand over her ear. “Don’t listen to them. We’re not all like her.”

“Oh please, Julian,” Jordan said. “When did you grow up and find Jesus?”

“I grew up and found Isla,” he said with a goofy smile. “She made me all better.”

“Honestly, Julian,” Isla said as her face flushed with embarrassment.

“Dad, I ought to get you home before they lock you out,” Corbin said to Spencer.

“I’m not going anywhere right when things are getting interesting around here.”

“Show’s over, citizens,” Carson said. “Everyone out.”

“Do I need to remind you that this is my house, young man?”

“You remind me of that every day, old man. We appreciate you all coming and cooking, but Cres and I need to decompress. It’s been a day and a half.”

“Will you call if you need anything?” Kate asked.

“Nope,” Carson said.

“Thank you for the delicious meal,” Cresley said to Kate.

“You’re very welcome. I’ll check on you tomorrow, Carson, and if you don’t want me to just show up, you’ll respond to my texts. Got me?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Same goes for the rest of us,” Kaidan said when she stood to leave with Kate.