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I followed Chris out of the building and across the street to the Coffee Bean. I ordered, paid, and then looked around for a table while he did the same. He waited for our orders and then brought it over.
We chatted about work for the most part and everything that was coming up. The more we discussed upcoming projects, the more I wasn't sure what I would do without him in the office at this point. The back and forth between the company and my grant would be draining otherwise.
“Once we complete the Chadwick project, we can put the extra crew over in Salston to finish up there. We should be caught up enough to start the next three by then,” Chris was explaining.
“Sounds good. Thank you for all your help. I can't begin to tell you how grateful
I am that you are here.”
“Whatever I can do to help, I'm here. Your family has always been good to me, so I'm just repaying the favor.” He took my hand in his and smiled. His thumb ran over my knuckles gently as he looked up at me. It made me a little uneasy, but he didn’t seem to mean anything by it, so I tried to ignore it.
“Your mom and I have talked quite a bit lately when she was at the office. Maybe we should all grab dinner before you head back tomorrow.”
“I don't think so. I have a lot of work to get done before I leave.” I didn't want to have dinner with my mother again so soon. “Plus, I need to get back before dark to collect a few more sampled for the grant, so I’ll probably head out around four.” I pulled my hand back across the table and placed it in my lap.
“Maybe next time.” He smiled and lifted his sandwich to his mouth. My thoughts went to Luke, and it hit me that he probably wouldn’t be keen on the idea of me having dinner with Chris in any capacity—innocent or otherwise. Lunch with a co-worker was one thing. Dinner was another.
***
I finished the last stack of folders on the desk and gathered my things before heading for my truck. I walked quickly, not used to leaving alone after dark, and climbed in. The drive to Granddad’s and Mimi’s was only about ten minutes, so I called Luke for a quick chat. He didn't answer, so I left him a message.
Hey, I was just driving home and hadn't talked to you all day. I guess you are in the shop. Call me when you get a chance.
I hit the end button, and it rang almost immediately, so I hit the answer button on the steering wheel without looking at the number, thinking he was calling me back.
“Hello.”
“Emerson.” My mother's voice poured through the truck.
“Hi, Mom.” I said and groaned inwardly.
“How was your day?” she asked.
“It was good. I got caught up on a pile of paperwork.”
“That's great. I heard you had lunch with Chris.”
“We had a business lunch.” I frowned wondering what big mouth was feeding her information. I slowed down for a stoplight and sat waiting for her next words.
“He is a very nice young man.” I could hear the smile in her voice. Of course he was a nice young man. He had the potential to make a lot of money, and that was all she cared about.
“He is, yes.” I didn't want to answer her.
“We will have dinner soon. I know the perfect place.”
“I don't have time right now.”
“You should make time. I am your mother, and you are going to be in town a few days every week. I’m sure you can work me into your schedule.”
“We will figure it out, but not this week.”
“Very well. I will talk to you later.” She hung up without a goodbye, kiss my ass, love you, or anything. I knew her game, and I wasn't going to play it.
***
“Hey, Punkin.” Mimi greeted me as I walked in the door. I kissed her cheek and walked into the living room where Granddad was sitting in a chair, reading.
“You look comfy,” I said as I walked over and kissed the top of his head.
