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“Sure.Thanks for dinner.You were right.The barbecue was amazing.”
She’s quiet on the way to her house, but our fingers are intertwined, and the silence isn’t uncomfortable.Anticipation sizzles in the air.Or maybe that’s my imagination.
I pull into her drive and choke back a snicker as the curtains move next door.
Jasmine notices and shakes her head.“I’m still getting used to someone caring when I come and go.I’ll only be a minute.”
When Mr.Grindle steps out onto the porch, I shut off the engine and cross the yard.“Sir, I’m Tyler.I met your wife earlier today.”
His grip is firm.“She mentioned that.”
It seems strangely important that the Grindles like me.“Jasmine and I just returned from dinner.Now I’m going to take her out for something sweet.To eat.”
He nods as if he’s thinking about what I’ve said.“Elaine says you’re a good one.”
“I do my best.Jasmine deserves no less.”
“Yep.I’m glad to hear you say that.And speaking of, she’s looking for you.”He tilts his head toward her porch.
I wave.“Be right there.”Then I extend a hand to Mr.Grindle.“It was very nice to meet you.”
“It’s good to know she’s got someone else looking out for her.”
“I feel the same way.Good night.”I jog back over to Jasmine and open the truck door for her.“You were right.He’s not so bad.”
“I think they like you.”
“I’m glad because with as much time as I plan to spend over here, it might be awkward if they didn’t.”
As I step back to close the door, she clasps my wrist.“I’m enjoying myself.”
“Me too.”I brush a thumb down her cheek.“And the night isn’t over.”
After picking up milkshakes,we settle into the swing on her back porch, Jasmine snuggled in beside me.Crickets and other critters are singing their evening ballads, and both of us are quiet save the sound of my boots scuffing the wooden porch and the occasional slurp as we near the bottoms of our milkshakes.
“Earlier you mentioned the wedding.I know we’ll both be there, but I’d like for us to be there together.As a date.”
“I’d like that too.”She sets her cup aside, then tucks her feet next to her.“Why don’t you go home often?”
And there it is, the level-up question.
After another sip of my vanilla shake, I set it on the little table, then lace my fingers with hers.“It wasn’t always like that.Once upon a time, I went home several times a year.But then about a year ago, everything changed when my parents split.”
She burrows a bit closer.“I’m sorry.That must be hard.”
“My dad left, but the only one surprised that everything finally fell apart was my mom.That doesn’t stop my family from playing the blame game.That’s the worst part of it.”
With one finger, she traces lines on the back of my hand.The gentle touch is soothing.
“I’ve seen my dad a couple of times, but then Mom accused him of trying to steal her kids away.We’re all grown.No one is stealing anyone.But she thinks by seeing him, I’m taking sides.So Dad and I only talk occasionally now.He doesn’t want to cause more trouble.And my sisters won’t even talk to him.”
“Your dad doesn’t mind if you visit your mom?”
“Not at all.But the last two times I went over there, she burst into sobs when I walked into the room and wailed about how I looked just like my father.So, I haven’t been back.”
“Oh, Tyler.”She pulls my hand to her mouth and gives it the softest of kisses.“That’s not how it’s supposed to be, and I’m sorry.”There’s a sympathy in her voice that has a deep resonance of understanding.
“I text Mom, but it’s easier to stay away.That probably makes me a horrible person.”
