“Yeah, I collect stuff like that,” Grant replied in that same mortified tone as if Delaney was embarrassing him simply by pointing out his interests. Ah, teenagers.
“Speaking of clothing, I like your shirt,” I said, noticing the historical reference. Burr Shot First. “Some say Burr shouted the word wait before he killed Hamilton. That he apparently noticed too late that Hamilton had his gun raised toward the sky.”
“Uh-huh,” Grant replied. “Do you think he had any regrets?”
“I don’t know.” I folded my arms and thought about it. “Not that it’s historically accurate, but in the musical Hamilton—”
“He went about his business as if he hadn’t just killed someone he once considered a friend.”
“Right. Though he likely believed Hamilton had slandered him, and that was the last straw.” I shrugged. “I’m just glad we don’t honor that tradition anymore. I have horrible aim.”
“Same.” He smirked. “Though it might solve some disagreements more efficiently.”
I snickered. “You’ve got a point.”
Delaney listened with an amused expression on his face. “Uh-oh, looks like I’m the odd guy out.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying you never saw Hamilton?”
“Oh, I did. Once. Grant and Rebecca let me tag along the second time.”
Grant turned his head to try and hide his eye roll. “I also have the soundtrack.”
“Me too.” I raised my hand to high-five him. How could I not? The first successful hip-hop musical and witnessing the diverse cast was heartening. “What’s your favorite song?”
He chewed on his lip, considering my question. “Maybe a tie between ‘Alexander Hamilton’ and when King George sings ‘You’ll Be Back.’”
I grinned at the memory. “He is a pretty amusing character.”
“Okay, you two,” Delaney said with a smirk. “I’ll start dinner. You’re free to follow me into the kitchen.”
“Sounds good. Thanks again for inviting me.” I paused to take in the wood-burning fireplace as well as the family photos lining the mantel. They definitely seemed happy in all of them. Damn, life was harsh sometimes. “Hopefully I’ll get out of your hair soon enough.”
“It’s no problem at all,” Delaney said over his shoulder.
When I followed Grant through the dining room to the kitchen, I was pleasantly surprised. Usually, these century homes had small kitchens and closets and too many walls that acted as barriers, but this was a decent size. And okay, I knew a little too much about this style of architecture.
“Have a seat.” Delaney pointed at the table, then turned to Grant. “Did you get your homework done?”
“Yep,” he said, heading to the fridge. “I can help you chop the broccoli.”
“Hope you like broccoli cheese soup?” Delaney asked hesitantly. “Suppose I didn’t exactly tell you what was on the menu.”
“That actually sounds perfect. What doesn’t sound perfect is me sitting here watching you two cook. Let me help?”
“I should’ve expected as much from you.” He smirked. “Want to chop some onions and carrots?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, pushing from the table to stand.
I’d admit, chopping vegetables beside Grant at the counter while Delaney stood over the stove, making a roux, was not something I’d ever pictured. As I listened to Grant tell Delaney about his club, it felt…strange but good. And way less quiet than my place.
When Grant had a snarky response to something Delaney asked, I quipped, “So I guess teenagers haven’t changed much since our generation?”
Delaney grinned over his shoulder, and I was relieved we were on the same page. He’d told me once that his mom had passed and that he and his dad didn’t get along.
“Whatever,” Grant scoffed. “I’d probably never even survive growing up in that decade. How did you go all day without cell phones and computers?”
“You’d be surprised,” I replied as I blinked repeatedly from the scent of the onions. “We had to rely on our imagination.”
“Did you and your wife have children?” Grant asked, and Delaney shot him an uncomfortable look.
“It’s okay, Lane,” I said before turning back to Grant. “We were never able to. Not for lack of trying. But we did help raise her teenage nephew for about a year.”
“Where is he now?” he asked, seeming genuinely curious. That was surprising because sometimes kids just weren’t that inquisitive.
“Aaron graduated from college and moved to take a job in California.”
“Cool.” Grant glanced at Delaney, who stood ramrod straight for a moment before placing the broccoli in the large bowl beside the cutting board.
I wondered if I’d touched on a tricky subject for them, like college.
“Should we set the table?” I asked to change the subject as I rinsed the knife in the sink.
Grant nodded, then helped me retrieve bowls, napkins, and utensils.
By the time the soup was bubbling and ready to be served, I was starving. The smell must’ve enticed Ruby as well, and the golden retriever was now lying underneath the table, possibly hoping for scraps.
“This is delicious,” I said after we sat down and I dug into my bowl. “Has your dad always been this good a cook?”