He marveled that something like that would delight her.
“As a child, when your mother needed something done right the first time, which of her children did she call?”
Oh, good one. “Depends on the task.”
“Something simple,” she clarified. “Take out the trash.”
“I think me.”
“Why?”
Hmmm. “I think because I just do it. And I don’t make her wait.” He eyed her. “You have this list memorized? I might be kind of impressed.”
“I do!” she admitted, suddenly remembering she had coffee and taking a sip.
“That’s it?”
“No!” she assured. “Not even close but I won’t ask you all the questions in one session.”
He let go a big chuckle. “Youareverygossipy.”
She did her loud laugh, and he grinned, fascinated with her.
“How old are you?” she asked.
“Ohhhh, round two, hard hitting.”
“You don’t have to answer,” she hurried with wide eyes. “I was supposed to say that starting!” She found that very funny and laughed at herself.
“I’m twenty-nine.”
Her shock was sharp as she stood. “I was right!”
He chuckled, eyeing his coffee then her. “Very good,” he praised.
She sat back down. “Girlfriend?”
“Ohhh, getting heavy. What did you guess?” he wondered, angling a look at her.
She shook her head with a giddy laugh. “Not telling!”
“Yes—”
She launched from her chair in triumph.
“…but not anymore,” he finished, watching her celebration free-fall. “Sorry.”
She sat heavily, curiosity overtaking her pretty face.
“We broke up when all this… stuff started going down,” he said. “She had family she needed to see about in Alabama.”
She nodded, her gaze all over his, full of eager questions. “Were you sad?”
He held her stare for a few seconds then looked at the fire. “I mean… I wasn’t thrilled.”
“Have you ever been heartbroken?” she asked, her tone curious but softer.
“Have you veered off the list, Sister?” he wondered, not really bothered.