AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile, both of our attentions turning toward the back door just as my father, Thad, Seth, and Josh step inside.
“Where are Ben and Chris? Dinner is almost ready.” My mother turns to set the casserole in the middle of the table on top of two large pot holders.
I turn, catching Thad’s gaze as he takes a seat at the table and slides the ball cap from his head, running a hand through his messy hair.
“Chris should be inside in a minute.”
“And Ben?” my mom asks, grabbing a gallon of sweet tea from the fridge.
“He’s taking that one girl he’s been seeing out for dinner.” My father takes his normal seat at the head of the table, giving my mother a gentle slap on her backside as she leans forward to fill his glass.
She giggles and swats at his hand and I’m instantly reminded of how many times I’ve seen a very similar scene play out in this kitchen. It’s good to see that some things never change.
“Her name is Beth, dear,” my mother informs him, moving around the table to fill the other glasses.
“Does it matter?” My dad raises an eyebrow and I can’t help but laugh as I set the biscuits next to the casserole.
“Laken,” my mother scolds.
“Well, I mean, he does have a point.” I try to bite back my smile as I meet my mother’s gaze. “She’s one in a very long list of people Ben has dated.”
“I know that.” Mom gives me a pointed look. “But this girl’s different.”
“If by different you mean that he’s been screwing her longer than everyone else,” Seth interjects and every eye in the room goes to him.
“Seth Michael.” My mom gasps dramatically. “I will not have that kind of talk at my dinner table,” she scolds.
“Sorry, Mom, but it’s true.”
“Be that as it may, you are too young to be talking such a way.”
“Too young,” Josh mocks, wagging his finger at his twin brother.
“Shut up,” Seth grumbles, pushing his hand away.
“That’s enough,” my father interjects and both boys fall silent.
I bite back a laugh as I take my seat across from Thad, finding that he too appears to find the situation humorous. His light eyes find mine and he winks only once before his gaze goes to the door as Chris enters the room.
“So, Laken needs a ride to the airport at five-thirty tomorrow morning,” Mom announces as soon as everyone is settled around the table and filling their plates. “Any volunteers?” She pins her eyes on Chris who immediately touches his nose.
“Not it,” he announces, a wild child-like smile crossing his face.
“Christopher,” my mom objects.
“What? I already have to get up before the roosters crowing. Why would I volunteer to get up earlier?”
“I don’t have to be there at five-thirty. I have to leave by five-thirty. That’s around the time you get up anyway,” I point out.
“Why do you need a ride to the airport?” my dad interjects, having not been here when I talked to my mom about everything.
“I have an audition in L.A. tomorrow afternoon.” I reach forward and grab a biscuit, dropping it onto my plate.
“Is that so?” He nods, clearly wanting to say more but deciding against it.
“I can’t take her. There’s no way I could get back in time to have breakfast ready for everyone,” my mom cuts in, giving the best excuse a person can give in this family. When you’re feeding upwards of ten mouths, breakfast in the Roth household is an entire process all by itself and is typically the biggest meal she makes each day.
“I’ll do it.” All eyes go to Thad at his offer.
