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Adler flicked his head away. “I’m not sick. I’ve got…” He stared off.
“I can’t help you.” Tristan shrugged. “If it’s the brunette, her name’s Missy. That blonde from the other night? You’re on your own.”
“Yeah, I’m not seeing Missy anymore. The blonde is Callie.” Adler shot him one of his smiles that the girls fall all over. Lopsided, and all teeth.
“That make-their-panties-wet smile doesn’t work on me, you know.” Tristan walked out the door. Adler followed.
“Didn’t make your panties wet?” Adler asked and laughed.
“Can’t say that it did. Not that I wear panties.”
Adler laughed, then added. “Race-ya. GO!” He took off.
“Fuck.” Tristan had some ground to make up, but he wasn’t going to lose if he could help it.
Adler’s parents had a cleaning service come in two days a week, usually Monday and Thursday, and on those same two days, they also had someone cook for them. Because of their cook, dinner at the main house was always delicious, which is why the guys went when they were asked. Tonight’s dinner didn’t disappoint.
Tristan never knew the fancy names of the dishes, but he didn’t really care. Tonight’s meal started with a creamy soup with chicken and veggies. The main course was roast lamb with some sort of fancy scalloped potatoes and roasted Brussel sprouts. It was delicious. He made a mental note to take some leftovers for tomorrow night.
Even though the meal was fancy, they ate at the small kitchen table. It was only the four of them. Uncle Don was actually here in time for dinner. Most nights, he eats leftovers long after dinner is finished.
Uncle Don and Adler favored each other. Uncle Don was tall and built, with a lot of dark hair for his age. There were some grays sprinkled throughout, and his eyes were dark as night. Between the Greek ancestry of Uncle Don and the Italian side of his aunt, it was no wonder where Adler got his dark hair, eyes, and complexion.
“So, what, or who, has your thoughts taken up?”
Tristan shook his head, realizing that his uncle was talking to him. “Excuse me?”
Uncle Don laughed his deep laugh. “You’ve been lost in your thoughts. I’ve noticed it at the office also. Who’s taking up all your thoughts?”
“Hmm,” said Elie. “Adler said something about a girl taking up all his time.”
Lord, now his aunt’s getting involved. He can’t stand it when they get all focused on him. Hasn’t Adler done anything stupid lately they can get stressed about? “Really? Y’all realize I’m no longer a teenager. My life isn’t your business. I’m thirty and responsible for myself.”
Aunt Elie and Uncle Don shared a look, and his aunt cracked a smile. “You’re right, honey. None of our business. There’s nothing wrong with me wanting you to be happy and settle down with a family.”
“Yeah, one of you needs to settle down.” agreed Don. “Elie feels like she may never get her chance to be a grandmother. And if she waits on Adler, we know we won’t even get a wedding.”
Adler rolled his eyes.
Another first. Maybe he really is ready for a relationship. Interesting. “Y’all didn’t ask us here to pick on us about our love life. What’s up?” Tristan figured that changing the subject would be a good idea. Adler owes him one.
Uncle Don sat up tall and clasped his hands on the table. “You both know that the fundraiser is Saturday, and your attendance is not an option.” He glared at each of them.
They both nodded. Like it’s ever been an option.
“Good. This year, you are both going to be expected to play a larger role than ever before.”
Tristan raised his brows in question at Adler. Adler just shrugged.
“Now that, as you’ve stated earlier, you are both thirty and responsible, you will be expected to add some of that responsibility to the day. You are both going to give horseback rides to the children.”
Tristan’s eyes went wide. He looked at Adler, whose reaction was worse. He looked scared to death.
Tristan sat forward. “You expect us to hang out with the kids? And give the horseback rides?”
His aunt and uncle were nodding.
Adler’s mouth was hanging open.
