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I set the table, carefully folding the napkins and placing the silverware on top. I couldn’t remember the last time I went to my parents’ home for dinner. “I can see why.”
He set the salad in the center of the table, filling the bamboo bowls that had already been brought out before I arrived. When he was satisfied the salads were balanced with veggies and tomatoes, he moved to the grill and opened the cover.
I thought about what it would be like to invite Colton to my parents’ farm. Would they be upset, knowing he’d dated Delilah? Or would they be happy? He was exactly what they wanted for me. Someone practical who would ground me.
So far, Colton hadn’t balked at some of my strange practices, but would he tonight when I asked him to join me in meditation? It would be a good test to see if he truly could relax and let go. I didn’t need him to believe it, just respect that I did. That was important to me.
Colton used tongs to move each tin-foil-wrapped baked potato that he placed on a large serving plate, then checked the steaks. “You have a temperature preference?”
“Medium well is good.” I could see him grilling in the evenings, but did he invite friends over, or was he usually alone? I suspected he was alone, and it made me feel a little sad for him.
“Then they’re ready.” He plated the steaks, set the serving platter in the middle of the table, then made sure my plate was filled with a steak and potato.
“I have all the fixings for the baked potatoes. Let me grab them.”
Half-rising, I said, “I can help.”
“You sit. Start on the salad. I’ll be back in a second.” Sitting back down, I saw the salad dressing on the table that looked homemade and poured a small amount over my lettuce.
Colton made a lot of effort to cook this meal. I was positive he didn’t go to this much trouble when he was home alone.
Returning, he set a little serving platter that contained sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and tortilla strips in front of me. “For your potato.”
“Wow. This is quite the spread.” I unwrapped the foil from the potato, allowing the steam to escape.
“I wanted to make something special.”
“Steak and potatoes?”
“Yeah. I’ve loved baked potatoes ever since that potato restaurant opened up on State Circle.”
“I love that place too.”
“I’ve tried but can’t quite figure out the lime sour cream concoction they make.”
“It’s amazing, though, isn’t it?” I slathered my potato with butter, then sprinkled a little of every topping.
“So good.” He cut his steak, popping a huge bite into his mouth.
The evening was warm, the perfect temperature. Not too hot, but comfortable.
“You should string some lights up on your deck. It would be beautiful.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t get many guests.”
“What about your parents?”
“I usually go to their place.” He ate another bite of steak before digging into his potato that was packed with most of the same toppings I’d used. “They travel a lot.”
Was it too forward of me to say I’d like to see them? Would they think it was odd Colton was dating his ex’s sister? I didn’t think about it as much as I used to, but others might still have a problem with it. Even if it felt natural to us.
