There are some scattered flowers here, but nothing compared to how it will be in another month.
"It's so quiet. The whole town is, really. I guess I’m used to the noise in Dallas. Cars, horns, sirens, people. You don't have that out here in the country."
"It's our greatest selling point," I smirk at her.
We turn and ride back to the barn and unsaddle, giving the horses a quick brush before heading back to the house.
"Perfect timing. I'm about to pull this meatloaf from the oven," Mom says.
"Let me help you," Kayla says as Mom puts her right to work.
I join Dad in the living room, sitting next to him. "Well?" I lean toward him and ask. I know he and Mom talked about Kayla while we were out, and I know he’ll be straight with me.
"Your mom seems to like her. Not the fact that she lives in Dallas, though. She's happy to have the gossip, but is convinced she’s going to break your heart."
I look down at the carpet and nod."I'm convinced she will, too."
When I meet my dad's eyes again, there is understanding in them.He gets that I know she’ll break my heart, but I can't stay away, either. When it happens, Mom and Dad will be there for me, and that's what I have to rely on.
We’re interrupted by Mom calling out, "Okay, boys, enough whispering. Let's eat."
I sit down across from Kayla, and my mom sits across from Dad on the small four top table. It expands to hold twelve, and we have used it before but with it just being my parents most nights, and me a few times a week, they keep it at a four top.
Things are quiet while everyone fills their plates and takes those first few bites.
"So, turnabout is fair play in my world." Kayla winks at me, and then turns to my mom, who straightens her back. "Have you always lived in Rock Springs?"
"Yes, I was two years behind Brice's father in school."
"Did you date each other in high school?"
"No, it wasn't until he came back and took over the practice that one of the church ladies set us up."
"What did you do while Brice was growing up?"
"Helped manage the clinic's books and was a stay-at-home mom, even though I was rarely home. Brice always had something going on."
Dinner continues with back and forth questions between my parents and Kayla. I learn a lot of things about her. Like that she took ballet as a kid and was a cheerleader.
Although, my question wondering if she still has the cheerleader uniform isn't well received.
All in all, dinner is a success. I catch a smile on Mom's face a few times and one on Dad's, as well.
This woman may be destined to break my heart, but she’s taking everyone around me down with her.
Once in the car, I want to shake off the night, and I have an idea. "Care to get some ice cream?"