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She smiled softly and nodded. “We are.”
Ben pulled her into a hug, still seated, and I was relieved to see them both willing to work it out.
He kissed the side of her head. “Well, I’m going to love up my woman before I head to the company.”
He was about to get up when Mr. Cross approached our table.
“Hey, John,” Mia greeted him and was granted a smile from the grump. At least a shadow of it. From what I noticed, she was the only one who received it.
“Good morning, Ms. Mia.” He turned to me. “Mr. Delgado.” He looked at Ben and groaned. “You.”
Mia and I stifled our snorts as Ben squirmed in his seat. “Good morning, Mr. Cross. It’s so good to see you here.”
The old man grumbled and turned to the counter. “Hello, Ms. Turner. I guess I still have to call you that.” He peered pointedly at Ben.
“I guess you’re right. But you can always call me Izzie,” she replied sweetly.
“Come on, sit down with us. April is bringing my food; you can accompany me.”
He considered my offer and sat down by my side awkwardly.
Ben tried again to get into his good graces. “Have you seen our baby? Teddy is growing up so fast.” He infused cheeriness as he tried to impress an unimpressionable Mr. John Cross.
Ben fished his phone from his pocket and showed him the many, many pictures he had of his baby, and he even managed to extract a reluctant smile from the man. Before he gazed at Ben again and frowned.
“Where are your kids?” he grumbled at us.
“Mia’s parents invited them for a day of fun. They’re watching the kids so we can go to work in a little while,” I answered.
He nodded, then seemed lost in thought. “I used to have days of fun with my grandkids as well. One of my favorite ones might come to visit me soon.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to have a favorite,” Mia chimed in, with a twinkle in her eye.
“He and his brother are the only ones who aren’t stupid. Or at least they’re the least stupid. Although his brother might have made some idiotic choices in life.” He shook his head in disapproval—and maybe worry. “The one who’s coming is always working on dangerous things now, so it’s hard for him to come.” It was the longest he’d ever talked to any of us besides Mia. I was at a loss at what to say, and Ben didn’t seem willing to ruin the small frame he had of not being scolded by the grump.
“That’s nice that he’s coming,” Mia said. “So, what do you plan on doing until he comes?”
He pondered her question. “Not much. I yelled at a cat this morning.” He shook his head in annoyance. “The stupid thing was eating my grass instead of the food I left for him.”
Mia’s face lit up. “I yelled at a teenager today for riding his bike too loud. I even shook my hand in the air.” She mimed, showing us her display of elderness.
I’d never seen Mr. Cross look so proud until that moment. He tapped her hand twice in approval, then Ben tried again.
“I changed Teddy’s diapers this morning. And fed him. Then we played for a couple of hours before I took him to his grandparents.”
Mr. Cross brought back his signature frown. “You’re his father. You’re supposed to do it.” After a brief pause filled with judgmental staring, he went on. “How come I haven’t seen a ring on sweet Ms. Isabella? Are you planning on bailing?”
“Oh, right. Now that you mentioned it, John, I’m noticing. Izzie’s still ringless.” Always helpful, Mia contributed to the conversation, earning a glare from Ben. Maybe I should intervene in the ganging up against him, but I was still relishing seeing her bring her sassiness back.
“I’m...” Ben looked around and lowered his voice. “I’m working on it.” Mia and I stared at him in surprise, and for the first time, Mr. Cross looked at him as if he wasn’t doing something wrong.
After a while, the old man looked around our table and scrunched his nose. “This is weird.” He stood up and strode to his usual seat at the counter.
Ben got up as well to kiss Izzie and head to the company, while Mia and I stayed behind to eat before going to work as well.
“Are you really feeling better?” I asked quietly.
She played with her cup of cappuccino and sighed. “I’m a work in progress. I want to do better. I haven’t been easy on you guys lately.”
