“No… There’s nothing there,” she says, but it’s obvious she doesn’t quite believe it. The hesitation in her voice is a dead giveaway.
“Oh, there is definitely something there. You two have been flirting for months. I vote you sleep with him and see where it leads.”
“Tyler is a player, Callie. I’m not going there.”
My eyes widen as realisation hits me. “You like him too much to just sleep with him, don’t you?” Avery doesn’t give her heart easily, but when she does, she loves fiercely. She can do casual sex with guys that mean nothing to her, but not with someone she’s actually interested in. She did this once, and the outcome wasn’t pretty. It took her almost a year to get over that guy.
She takes a moment to respond. “I like him. Which means I can’t sleep with him because we all know what happens when Tyler sleeps with someone.”
Yes, we do. It never lasts very long, because he soon grows bored. He’s a good guy, but he has ADD when it comes to women.
I sigh. Motioning towards the bag of Doritos on the couch near her, I say, “Pass me the chips. I think we need all the chips tonight to deal with this development.”
She nods. “Yeah. That and alcohol.”
* * *
The next morning, I arrive at Luke’s house bright and early. Avery consumed alcohol last night, but I refrained because I knew I had to be here by seven-thirty. Luke told me to come later if I wanted, but what I want more than sleep is to get to know him and his son. Sean is up early ready for breakfast, so that means I am too.
Paris meets me at the door with a huge smile. “You’re keen,” she says. “I like your dedication.”
“I like yours, too. Thank you for Friday night.”
Her eyes light up, and she waves me away. “That was nothing. Anytime you guys want a night, just let me know.”
“Well, it might have been nothing to you, but it was everything to me.”
Her features soften. “You’re something else. I’m so happy Luke has found you.” She steps aside to let me in. “They’re at the dining table.”
I make the short journey to where she directed and come to a stop as I take in the sight before me. Luke and Sean are seated next to each other at the table with a plate of cut-up oranges between them. They each hold a fork and after Sean stabs at a piece of orange and places it in his mouth, he says, “Your turn.” The joy in his voice rings out loud and clear, and I sense this is a cherished ritual between them.
Luke smiles and says, “Which piece should I choose?”
Sean bounces excitedly in his seat as he points one out. “This one.”
Luke messes his hair and smiles. “Looks good to me, little man.”
At that moment, Sean looks up and catches sight of me. Grinning, he says, “Callie!” He then turns to his father and says, “Can Callie be part of our orange party today, Daddy?”
Luke finds my eyes and smiles. Oh, dear God, he’s bringing out the big guns today. That smile. “Do you like oranges?” he asks.
Hell, even if I didn’t, I would say yes. “I do.”
He jerks his head towards the kitchen. “Grab a fork and join our party.”
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about eating oranges. When I take a seat on the other side of Sean and take my first piece of orange, I know for sure that I’ve never loved eating them this much.
We each take turns choosing a piece of orange. It soon becomes apparent which pieces are the most coveted and I leave them for Sean. He prefers the middle pieces rather than the ends. Luke also leaves them for him.
When we finish, I say, “Have you guys been partying with oranges for long?”
Luke’s lips twitch.
Sean nods. “Yes. Grandpa showed me first and then Daddy did it.”
“It’s something Dad started with him. Orange parties were their thing.”
I place my fork on the plate. “Well, I like it.”
“You should come every day. We have parties at breakfast,” Sean says as he looks at me expectantly.
“Callie can’t come every day, Sean. She has work to go to during the week,” Luke says.
Sean’s face falls. “Oh, okay. But maybe on the weekends?”
I nod. “I’ll come whenever I can.”
He smiles again. And then a mischievous glint hits his eyes. “Maybe when you come, we can have pancakes and ice cream, too.”
Luke shakes his head. “That was a special breakfast,” he says as I fight to hold back the laugh bubbling up. Sean is a master negotiator, but his father holds strong. I love watching them together.
Paris enters the kitchen and glances at us. “I’m heading out now, Luke. What time do you need me home for Sean?”
“Three if possible. I want to go through some paperwork before work tonight.”
She nods. “No problem. I’ll see you then.”