Damaged Souls (Broken Man) - By Christopher Scott Page 0,11
worker, Greg, and I admire that.”
“Thanks, I try to do my best.”
“I know you do. I really don’t how you get it all done with school, work, and all your lawns. Anyway, Amanda and I wanted to make sure that everything was okay at home,” he watched for a reaction before even completing the sentence.
“Everything is fine,” he assumed a perfect poker face. “Did Delaney say something.”
“No, Delaney didn’t say anything,” Jack played poker as well. “We were just worried about you.”
“We’re fine,” Greg maintained his usual distrust of authority that Jack shared. “Mom’s actually doing better.”
“That’s good, but let us know if you need anything,” Jack didn’t press the issue as he prepared for Amanda’s next topic on the agenda.
“Will do,” Greg seemed relieved that the questioning was seemingly over as he changed the subject. “So, what are Amanda and Delaney getting for dinner tonight.”
“They are just picking up ribs and salad,” Jack replied as he transitioned the conversation awkwardly. “So, the girls told me the prom is coming up soon. Have you thought about who you are going to ask.”
“Uh, no I haven’t,” Greg appeared almost ready to laugh at the ridiculousness of the question Jack couldn’t believe had come out of his mouth.
I’m going to kill her, Jack thought of his crazy wife and finally gave up. “This is ridiculous. Look Greg, Amanda and I were thinking it might be nice if you invited Delaney.”
“Have you told her that,” he looked horrified.
“Of course I haven’t,” Jack laughed. “But, I have no idea what women talk about and absolutely no control over that wife of mine.”
“You’re right about that,” Greg took a jab at him. “You know, I’ve thought about it, but we are just friends and she probably wants to go with someone she likes.”
“She likes you, Greg,” Jack assured him. “And we both like you too. I’m not going to play matchmaker and you don’t have to answer me now, but if you want to ask her, go ahead and do it. She would love to go with you, and Amanda and I would both feel better knowing she is in good hands.”
“Thanks, Jack, that means a lot to me. I think I will ask her,” he seemed sincere for just a second. “But, can you do me a favor. Can we talk about something else now, maybe sports or something.”
“Sure, Greg,” Jack laughed as he heard the girls arrive home. “I think it’s time to eat anyway.”
* * *
“So, what did he say,” Amanda asked for the second time as Jack enjoyed making her wait.
“Oh, I don’t know,” he teased her. “We talked about so many things, I just can’t remember.”
“You better tell me before I hit you with this spoon,” she threatened him with a smile as she prepared the plates.
“Physical violence, really honey,” he laughed. “Of course he is going to ask her. Are you happy now.”
“I am happy now,” Amanda replied as she spied on Greg and Delaney sitting on the porch with Logan. “They even look different. Maybe he already asked her.”
“Would you calm down. The prom is a three weeks away, he has plenty of time.”
“Whatever,” Amanda couldn’t believe his cluelessness on this matter. “Anyway, I am glad he is going to ask her and I’m pleased his mother is doing better.”
“Me too,” Jack just seemed happy the issue was resolved. “Now, can we discuss my reward we talked about.”
“Is that the only reason you even talked to him,” Amanda laughed as Jack pressed up against her and reached his arms around her waist before she pushed his hands away. “You are going to have to wait until later, maybe after the kids are asleep if you behave yourself.”
“Well, I better behave myself then,” he gave her a slap on the behind before grabbing a couple plates and heading outside for dinner.
Chapter Four
“I am definitely going to ask her tonight,” Greg whispered to himself as he polished the silverware and watched Delaney set table seven.
He had come so close so many times all week that at least his proposal was now memorized. He would be casual but not too informal, funny but still a little serious, smooth but not contrived. Who was he kidding, Greg just hoped he could spit the damn invitation out.
But I am going to do it tonight, he tried to convince himself as he thought of all the near misses during the week. Sitting by the pool Sunday, unable to focus on anything but the bikini