I try not to get embarrassed in the comparison of the before and after because this is where I am now and this is who I am. And I’m for the better because of it in all the ways that matter.
Pulling out a chair, he motions for me to sit. "I hope steak and Petrus Pomeral will do."
"I'll be honest," I say as I lower myself into the chair. "I love steak but I have no idea what the other thing is."
His laugh fills the air, floating on the gentle breeze that flutters the candlelight. "It's a French wine. My favorite. You do like wine, don't you?"
"Do I like wine?" I scoff. "What kind of question is that?"
"A question someone asks someone else when they want to know more about them.”
I grin as he sits across from me. I love watching him move, his muscles flex as he bends and pushes.
He lifts the silver lid in front of him and I do the same. Sitting beneath the cover is a large steak, heat still rising from the plate. I have no idea how he managed to put all of this together, but I suppose it’s easy when you’re a Landry.
“Did your day get any better?” I ask, watching a shadow roll over his face.
“Not really. It won’t get any better for awhile.” He looks up at me. “As far as work goes, anyway.”
A smile stretches across my face and I’m happy to see it returned.
“How was yours?” he asks.
“I got a little studying done before I left for work. I’ll have to finish it when I get home. But otherwise, it was good.”
“You could’ve brought your homework here,” he suggests. “I could’ve helped you study.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Sure. It would put you to sleep.”
“If I can stay awake in meetings about a dog park, I’m pretty sure I can stay awake watching you read. I’d probably even like it.”
Flushing, I take a sip of my wine. It’s rich and delicious.
“Did your son have a good day fishing today with your father? They went again, right?”
“Yeah,” I laugh, remembering his call on the way here. “They had fun.”
“Did his father ever do that kind of thing with him?”
I look away. “No, not really. Hayden was always busy.”
“I shouldn’t have asked that. I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s fine. I just don’t think about that any more than I have to. I avoid it at all costs, really.”
“I can understand that,” he smiles softly. “Hux just seems like a great kid. Lincoln loved him.”
Laughing, I place my glass back on the table. “Because he called you out about your pitch.”
Barrett chuckles.
“Hux liked Lincoln too. He pretty much thinks he met a rock star.”
“Yeah, well, that’s because they’re probably interested in the same things. Baseball and girls.”
“My son doesn’t like girls!” I exclaim.
“Give it time,” Barrett chuckles. “They’ll be calling your phone all hours of the night.”