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We sat at the table and ate. The food was fantastic as always, and I passed on my compliments. But the empty plate on the counter kept pulling my gaze.
Aithan noticed. He leaned close. “Text him. You’re worried.” Candace and Tobias nodded.
I sat back and pulled out my phone.
Hey, are you okay, Playboy?
I waited for a response, feeling twitchier with each passing second.
Yeah, babe, I’m good. Heading back to the house. Sorry to throw a wet blanket on the fun.
Don’t you dare apologize for having a shitty childhood, Drew Katterman.
Yes, ma’am. Just needed to wrangle some of the demons back into my brain box. I’ll be OK, Brick. Promise.
“He’s fine.” I pocketed my phone.
As we were clearing the dishes, the front door opened. Drew came up the stairs. “Did you leave any for me?”
I pointed at the table. “Sit.” I put a plate of food in the microwave. “I told Tobias you’d extend him a loan if money is an issue with hiring Joe’s firm.”
“Damn right.” Drew met Tobias’s gaze. “That’snotan issue, man. Don’t even consider it a barrier in bringing on a new firm. Money should be an afterthought.”
Tobias shoved his hat back. “Scumwater is my only collateral and I’ve already got loans against it—”
Drew raised his hand. “I’m not taking your business. That’s your future and your daughter’s.” He pointed his fork at Aithan. “I trust him. He trusts you. That’s all the collateral I need.” He ate a bite and closed his eyes, savoring it. “Oh, man, this is amazing.”
Tobias sat opposite him. “I’ll repay you every damn dime.”
Drew nodded. “I know.” He pointed his fork at his plate and added, “You can repay me in food, ’cause this is some damn fine grub, man. Plus, that’ll get Zel outta the kitchen and into my bed more often.” He winked at me then turned serious as a heart attack once again and leaned forward. “Listen, Tobias, I’m not trying to be a dick or a savior.”
“Yeah, I get it now. Zel told us and it makes more sense. Sounds like you had a pretty crap time as a kid. And I appreciate you wanting to help other kids with your own hard-earned money. It’s pretty fucking noble, and I’m not being a sarcastic asshole when I say that. I really mean it. It’s admirable. Too many people don’t do shit like that.”
Drew shook his head. “I just gotta do it, man.”
Aithan and Candace dished up dessert and we all ate with Drew.
The conversation lightened at last and turned to beer.
“What kind of sugar can you tolerate, Zel?” Tobias asked as I cleared plates and bowls from the table.
“Maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, and beet sugar. Why?”
“I’m experimenting with ginger beer. Mari asked me to brew something for her and I thought it’d be nice if you could drink it, too.”
“So the five-year-old and I can watch cartoons and shotgun ginger beer?” I pumped my fist. “Yeah!”
He laughed. “She’s a bad influence on you and you hardly know her.”
“Maybe some of her sharp fashion sense will rub off on Zel,” Drew remarked.
I gave him the stink-eye. “Don’t you start.”
He raised his hands, trying to look innocent and failing. “All I’m saying, Zel, is Amara’s clearly a little style diva, but if you’re gonna hang with her, you gotta stop stealing your wardrobe from the closest retirement home.”
Aithan snorted but came to my defense. “Except for the fatkini.”
Drew tilted his head in acquiescence. “I absolutely stand corrected. Except the fatkini and about five other items. Mostly lingerie, which I thank you for.” He leaned forward. “Face it, Brick, you need to go shopping.”
