AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How about joining us?” Bill suggested.
“Great idea. We’ll have the waiters bring our table closer.”
A moment later, Matt and Brenda chatted with Bill and Cindy and ordered their meals, while Mia and Cody babbled and laughed in their own La la land.
“Wait till we get home, Mia,” Brenda managed to tell her daughter, across Matt’s shoulder
“I’m leaving tomorrow. I’ll really, really miss you, Mom.”
Matt stifled his laughter. “Let it go, Brenda. Your wily baby is leaving tomorrow.”
“Boy, is she lucky she’s leaving,” Brenda seethed.
By the end of the evening, she’d relaxed enough to let go of her resentment and enjoyed the evening with the Cramers, a jovial couple who’d raised a great kid.
As they waited for the valet to bring his car, Matt heard Mia saying.
“I love him, Mom. Wouldn’t you do anything to be with the man you love?”
Matt caught Brenda’s gaze.
She peered at him, smiled, and said, “Yes.”
“Brenda, would you mind sitting in the back? I would like to talk to Mia.”
“Be my guest. Try to drill some commonsense into the girl before it’s too late.”
“Are you going to scold me, Dr. Matt?” The girl chuckled. “It’s okay. I know I was wrong, but I don’t regret it.”
He drove away. “I’m happy you had a good time. We did, too. I wish you’d have been more open about it though. You make it hard for people to trust you.”
“I’m sorry. I really am. I don’t want to lose your friendship, Dr. Matt.”
He huffed. “You won’t. You and your mom are very dear to me.”
She jerked toward him. “Seriously? Are you falling in love with her?”
“Mia!” her mother shouted. “Will you watch your language?”
“Chill out, Mom. I didn’t say anything rude. Falling in love is the nicest thing that can happen to someone. I hope you can feel it someday,” Mia ended with a long sigh.
“Mia!” Brenda’s voice sounded desperate.
Matt wondered how anyone could raise good kids today. “Where’s your camp?” he asked to change the conversation.
“Somewhere in Kentucky. Two hours to the south.”
“Brenda, would you mind if I drive the two of you? You both can sit in the back and chat.” Brenda snorted, and he grinned. “By tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll have forgotten your argument, and you’ll have a lot of last minute advice.”
“Matt, you’re too generous and too busy to waste your precious time.”
“It’ll be a nice break from the hospital and the O R.”
“Youaresuch a nice guy, Dr. Matt. I wish my mother—”
“Mia!” The word rang with enough of a threat to keep Mia quiet.
“My offer stands, Brenda. I’ll be glad to drive you and spend more time with Mia on the way out and with you on the way back.”
