“I still think it’s right to invite him,” Jeff said, unperturbed. “What if someday he wants to and then we don’t invite him?”
Joel rolled his eyes. “We can keep inviting him. But I’m pretty sure he’s going to grow from a crusty middle-aged loner into a crusty old loner without much changing.”
Baby Emily chose that moment to grab for Jeff’s water, so he was distracted by trying to prevent a spill and then, when he didn’t quite manage it, mopping up water from the table.
Nina sat back and watched as the rest of
them got caught up in a discussion of whether they wanted to share a couple of plates of fries and onion rings or what. This—this was exactly what she’d wanted. Being here, in this group, talking and laughing and being included. She couldn’t believe it was hers.
Next to her, Joel leaned in. “I love you.”
Startled, she smiled up at him. “What was that for?”
He smiled. “Nothing. I just love you.”
She grinned. “I love you, too.”
“Okay, lovebirds,” said Alethia. “Seriously: fries or onion rings?”