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He sat down beside her. “Did you two solve the world’s problems while I was gone?”
Ben winked at Erin. “We gave it our best shot.” He looked at Brock. “How’s the calzone?”
“It’s great. I wish I could find a pizza place like this in Nashville.”
“I’ve heard Nashville has amazing food.”
“It does,” Brock said. “If you’re a foodie.” He looked around the restaurant. “Sal’s is more my style. Nothing fancy but really good food.”
A couple approached the table, snagging Erin’s attention and drawing a smile on her face. “Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman,” she said as the couple passed.
“Erin,” Mr. Ackerman said. “Good to see you.”
“Gladys and Phil Ackerman, I’d like you to meet Ben and Brock Bartlett. Ben just moved into Sheryl Kincaid’s old place.”
“Well,” Mr. Ackerman said. “It’s nice to meet you, Ben. Welcome to Cherry Creek Reserve.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you both as well.”
Erin mined her well of knowledge about the Ackermans but came up empty. Instead, she focused on Ben. “Ben was born in Cherry Creek and moved back after many years away.”
“Is that right?” Mrs. Ackerman said. “I’m born and raised. Did you graduate from the Academy or Cherry Creek high?”
“Neither,” Ben said. “I dropped out as soon as I could and got my GED a few years later. School was never my thing, but I sure regretted not seeing it through.”
Mrs. Ackerman smiled. “You sound like my brother, Fred. He did the same.”
Ben cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Freddy Smyth is your brother?”
“Why, yes. Did you know Fred?”
“We used to run around as kids. Got ourselves into a good bit of trouble back in the day.”
“That sounds like Fred too.”
Ben blinked at his half-eaten meal, over at Erin and Brock, and finally up at the Ackermans. “Could I trouble you for a ride back to the neighborhood?” he asked.
Brock reached across the table. “Is something wrong, Pawpaw?”
“No, nothing’s wrong. I’m just a little tired after the move the last few days.”
“We can box up our food and go back now,” Brock said. “I’m sure Erin doesn’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all.” Especially since she had a sneaking suspicion Ben’s desire to leave had nothing to do with being tired and everything to do with setting her up with Brock.
“You kids stay and have fun,” Mr. Ackerman said. “We’re happy to give Ben a ride. I’d love to hear about his adventures with Fred, maybe get a little ammo on my brother-in-law.”
“Are you sure?” Brock asked Ben.
“I’m sure. Do you mind bringing my food when you come?”
“Of course, but—”
“No buts. Just stay and enjoy your meal—and the company.” He scooted out of the booth. “I’ll see you back at home.”
Erin and Brock watched the three of them walk away, heard Ben give a bark of laughter as they exited the door.
“Well,” Brock said. “I feel like we’ve been dumped.”
