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Heading over, I’m not sure what to do. Should I kiss him in front of Carsen or just sit down like it’s no big deal that I’m invading a family dinner as a trial run? “Uh, hi.”
Keith stands up to greet me with a hug and a quick kiss, and I see he has on his Clark Kent glasses disguise again and an oversized polo shirt that amps up the nerd effect.
It’s cute, but still sexy as he gives me a smirk. “So glad you could make it.”
I smile, taking the seat Keith motions to, next to him and across from Carsen. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss this. I’ve been excited and nervous about it all day!”
He smiles, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “Don’t be nervous. They both already like you.”
Just like that, the swarm of nervous butterflies is gone and instead I’m filled with warmth, reassured that this is going to be okay. “Where’s Sarah?”
“Right here,” Sarah says behind me. “Sorry, had to use the ladies’ room.”
We sit down, chatting about our day, and I quickly realize that Carsen and Sarah are raptly watching every exchange between Keith and me and have matching wide grins plastered across their faces.
“What?” I ask, feeling heat rush to my face after we place our orders. “You guys don’t like fish?”
Carsen giggles a little girl laugh but leans towards Sarah, talking low even though we can all hear her. “Check out her eyes. They’re sparking like fireworks. Think that’s Dad or makeup?”
Sarah hums, obviously used to Carsen’s sense of humor. “Ask her.” she tells Carsen as she gives me a wink.
Carsen leans back to me. “Do you wear makeup?”
I grin, catching on. “I do, just a little to bring out my features. But you know the trick to looking your absolute best?” Carsen tilts her head, eager for the answer. “Being happy. Always makes you glow from within.” I wait a half a beat and then we all giggle like only females can do and I feel a knot unfurl in my belly even more.
“I was too nervous to say anything last time, but I really love your hair. It’s much cuter than your dad’s.”
Carsen grins, her eyes shooting to Keith as he rubs at his head, which is covered with a few days worth of stubble on top. “Think I’ll grow it out until the next show. Helps with the anonymity.”
“Brother, was that a five-syllable word? Elise, I think you’ve worked miracles! He’s doing more than grunting like a grumpy ass,” Sarah teases.
“Hey, I do more than that.” Keith protests, “I talk. Sometimes.”
“Ugh, man speak, woman understand,” Sarah jokes, grunting as Keith glowers at her, but I can see the twitch of laughter at the corners of his mouth as he fights to keep a straight, stern face.
We eat for a few minutes, comfortable and chatty with each other when Carsen pipes up. “Hey, got any plans tomorrow?”
I wipe my mouth with my napkin. “Nothing really. What’s up?”
Carsen looks at Sarah, who nods. “Aunt Sarah is taking me shopping so I can find a dress for the school dance. It’s going to be epic . . . the dance and then it’s my best friend Kaitlyn’s birthday, so I get to sleep over at her house after. You wanna go shopping with us?”
She’s speaking so quickly and animatedly. It takes my brain a moment to catch up to my ears. “Shopping sounds like something I might know a thing or two about,” I say carefully, looking at Sarah, not wanting her to think I’m stepping on her toes with Carsen. But she’s smiling and seems excited about the idea too. “Sounds fun! What time?”
Keith gawks, looking around the table. “Are you sure?”
Carsen bounces excitedly while Sarah smiles. “We’ll pick you up at four? Then we can grab some dinner to bring home while we’re out.”
I smile back at them both. “It’s a date!”
Keith mock growls. “I don’t know whether to be happy you are all getting along, or scared you’re going out without me.”
Sarah laughs. “Oh, you’ll be there with us . . . in cash form, Daddy Big Bucks.” We all laugh as dessert is served and Sarah promises to tell me all Keith’s embarrassing childhood stories.
Dessert is wonderful, caramel cheesecake for me, and after we pay—I notice Sarah uses her credit card, probably another layer of protection—we walk outside. “Thank you,” I tell Carsen. “You were right, the cheesecake was to die for.”
“Anytime,” Carsen says, giving me a quick little hug. “I can’t wait until tomorrow. Can I get some heels too?”
“Let’s talk about that in the truck,” Sarah says with a knowing grin, taking Carsen by the shoulders and steering her away. “We’ll be waiting.”
The two of them walk away, and I’m left with Keith, who’s been quiet through most of dessert. “You okay? You’ve been a little quiet.”
