A Family of Their Own(27)
Kelsey lifted her eyes from the menu. “Everything looks good. I can’t decide between the veal in lemon sauce with artichokes or the shrimp scampi.”
“I’ve had the veal. It’s great.”
“That solves my problem. I love artichokes.”
Her voice had lightened, and he hoped it stayed that way. It would if he monitored his depressing comments. He had so few people to talk with about Peyton’s issues, and he looked forward to airing those feelings at the MOSK meetings…that is, if he passed their test. Bitterness charged through him, and he didn’t like the feeling. He’d monitored those emotions, trying to look at their decision in a positive light and to understand why they wanted to test it. Still…
“You’re quiet.”
Kelsey came into focus. He’d been lost in thought. “I haven’t decided between a steak or the steak and shrimp diablo, but I’m leaning toward the filet mignon.” That was true, but not what he’d been thinking.
“Are you ready to order?”
The waitress’s appearance saved him from further discussion on his silence. He gave the woman their choices, ordered coffee and then leaned back. “I realized the other day I have no idea what you do for a living.”
Kelsey’s shoulders relaxed. “I manage real-estate rentals. It’s a great job for me because I can handle so much of it from home. I have office space at South Oakland Realty, but I’m only there occasionally.”
He’d never have suspected. “You mean you take care of the properties.”
“Right. If they need a plumber or a repairman, they contact me, and I handle it for the owners.”
He slipped his hand over hers. “Our jobs have a few things in common.”
“I thought about that. You build residences. I just manage them once people move in.”
Ross hoped they had more in common than that. But his mood had lightened, and that was what he’d hoped. “What do you like to do for fun?”
She blinked. “Fun?”
He watched her think and winced inside. Asked the same question, he’d offer the same response. Fun had escaped him for so long between Ruthie’s illness and now Peyton’s. The word almost seemed absurd. Yet tonight, even talking about sad things at times, he was having the most fun he’d had in years.
Kelsey finally chuckled. “I guess I have to learn about having fun again. I enjoy shopping, as most women do, but I don’t do it often, and when Lucy was ill, I purchased what I could on the internet.”
Shopping wasn’t a commonality. “Movies? Plays? Concerts?”
“Yes. I enjoy them all. I loved going to plays. When I was younger, I spent numerous nights at Pine Knob—the name changed since then, but the setting’s still the same. I loved sitting on the lawn. Springsteen, Bon Jovi. I saw Journey in the rain, but who cared? I had fun anyway.”
His heart bounced in his chest, seeing her glowing face. “I might have been there the same night. I saw them in the rain. Do you think…?” The warm summer evening returned, rain spattering from the clouds. “‘Don’t Stop Believin’ and ‘Open Arms’—”
“Faithfully.”
Kelsey’s eyes glistened as they laughed and shared a high-five across the table. Ross’s chest constricted with the good feeling that washed over him. “Apparently we like the same music.”
“But it’s been a long time since I’ve seen anyone in concert.”
His knee jerked with the invitation. “Then we need to see who’s in town.”
“That would be great, Ross.” Her eyes searched his. “Really great.”
The waitress arrived with their soup and salads first, and then they settled into the meal. The steak was tender and delicious, served with his favorite, a baked potato, and Kelsey praised the veal dish served with pasta. Though the conversation had lulled, the warmth of their previous talk remained. He’d check the papers to see what artists were in town and pick up some tickets.
When the plates were cleared, the waitress brought over a dessert tray and displayed the great-looking options. Keylime pie. Chocolate peanut-butter mousse pie. Granny Smith apple pie with ice cream.
Kelsey shook her head. “Just coffee, please.”
“I’ll have coffee, too, and—” He’d noticed that she’d eyed the crème brulée. “How about one of these and two spoons.” He raised his eyebrows and ogled Kelsey.