is because we are throwing away food which could be used to provide a meal to the local shelters. If we are allowed to proceed, we could provide the template for the rest of the city. Hunger could be wiped out at the shelters."
"And if there is enough support, we could start to provide for the ones who don't live in the shelter."
"Like what?" Kallie cocked her head, questioning the two women.
Amber got it. The inherent dangers of dealing with the homeless was probably front and center in her mind, too.
"Well, for instance, the Cardboard Cottages. We could take a food truck once a day and provide meals. Until the food ran out." Brianna shrugged. "But that's a pipe dream right now, and the first hurdle is getting the council to approve my initiative on a trial basis."
Amber and Kallie exchanged glances.
"What? What is it? I saw that look." Brianna wagged her finger between them.
Kallie nodded to her.
"Well, it's a noble effort, but if you ever do extend the service to places like the Cardboard Cottages, please coordinate security. While some of the people who live in those environments are down on their luck..." She glanced at Tara, knowing the woman was a social worker.
Tara sighed and stared at her wine. "I know. The homeless population has a problem with drugs."
Kallie nodded. "Among so many other problems. I agree with Amber. If you do ever get to that point, please consider security. Even if it is a rent-a-cop, the presence of security would keep things from devolving."
Brianna elevated her glass to her lips and took a sip of the wine. "So, to get off this depressing topic, I met someone."
Every woman in the house turned toward her. "What?" Hannah gasped.
Brianna's cheeks turned a dark rose color. "It's really new, Mom. About three weeks, but I really like him."
"What's his name?"
"What does he do?"
"Where did you meet him?"
"Is it serious?"
Brianna threw back her head and laughed as each woman asked a question at the same time. "Well, I met him at Chester's gym."
"Sorry it didn't work out." Sharon grimaced. "I didn't know he was dating anyone."
"No worries. I loved his gym, and he's a great guy who's perfect for Gretchen."
Tara whipped her head around. "Mom! Are you setting up Hannah's girls now?"
Sharon and Hannah giggled, and Sharon waved off Tara's comment. "I helped Hannah by introducing a mutual friend."
Hannah leaned on the counter and stared at Brie. "What is his name?"
"Ryker."
Amber swallowed her wine and coughed when it went down the wrong tube. Kallie whapped her on the back. Hell, Ryker was a common name, right? Maybe? "You going to live?"
"If you stop hitting me, yeah." Amber laughed as she grabbed Kallie's arm.
"Wimp." Kallie mumbled under her breath and then laughed. The woman's laugh encompassed her entire body and nobody in the vicinity could resist joining in.
"What's his last name?" Amber asked when she could breathe again.
"Terrell. Why, do you know him?" Brianna turned to her and Kallie. No one else could see her face. Her eyes were huge, and the face she made, well the only thing Amber could take away was a silent plea for them to remain silent on just who Ryker Terrell was.
"Ah… the name's very familiar." Amber dropped her eyes and busied herself with a cracker and cheese.
"I'm sure I've heard it somewhere before." Kallie kneed her under the counter. "Sounds like a movie star."
"What does he do?" Sharon asked.
"Ah, he's in management." Brianna shrugged. "But he's been on vacation for the last three weeks. We've worked out together and had a few meals." Amber watched Brie carefully, and if the blush rising up her neck was any indication, they'd done more than eat a few meals together. Kallie knocked her knee again. She extended her middle finger under the countertop away from everyone else’s view but Kallie's. Her sister-in-law laughed again. God, she loved the woman next to her. She and Kallie were two peas in the same pod.
Hannah clapped her hands together. "Can we meet him?"
Brie opened her mouth and then closed it. She took a deep breath and faced her mom full on. "You know I love you, right?"
"Yes..." Hannah stretched the word out in response.
"Listen, I really like this guy. I'd like to have the space to see if it is going to work. No family yet. If the guys get wind of this, you know what will happen."
Tara snorted. "They ganged up on Carter. My brothers and yours."