Manfax (Winter Brothers #2) - Jacob Chance Page 0,57
on our way. “I want to explain where I’m taking you and who we’ll be with.”
“We’re meeting up with someone?” she sounds unsure.
“Yes, with some friends of mine.”
“You’re introducing me to your friends? Isn’t that kind of premature?” Now she sounds panicked.
“You’re about to meet some of my favorite people in the world.”
“Where are we going?” she questions.
“We’re going bowling.”
“For real?”
“Yeah. Do you have something against handling large balls?”
“No. I’m just surprised at your choice of date locations.”
“It’s not the ideal choice for our second date, but I promised my friend Randy that I’d be there.”
“Are you sure I’m welcome?”
“Absolutely.” I rake a hand through my hair, a nervous tell of mine. “I should fill you in on the backstory. I’ve been volunteering at a group home for a few years now.”
“Group home?” she repeats questioningly.
“It’s a house for adults with special needs. There are disability service providers who maintain and control the house. They also arrange for the residents to take part in special programs and activities, like how we’re going bowling tonight. Randy, the friend I mentioned, is one of the residents who lives there.”
“And you’re one hundred percent sure I can be there?” she asks again.
“Yes, it’s not a problem. If you were going to volunteer at the house they’d have to run a thorough background check on you first to make sure you have a clean criminal record. But since the bowling alley is a public place, there’s some wiggle room.”
“How did you and Randy meet?”
“First, let me say he’s like another little brother to me. We met through Bonnie, who is a lifelong friend of mine—our moms are friends. Anyway, Bonnie is the director at the home, and she reached out to me. She needed some small repairs done, and since the budget is tight, I volunteered to do the work for free.”
“That was nice of you. I’m sure your time is valuable.”
I shrug. “It seemed like the right thing at the time, and in hindsight, now I know it was.”
“Tell me more about Randy.” Roxanne’s genuine interest makes her more attractive to me, if that’s possible.
“He was born with Down Syndrome, and I met him the first day I was working at the house. His happiness was infectious, and for some reason, he immediately latched on to me. He even became my helper on the repairs.”
“I bet he loved that.”
“He was dangerous with a hammer at first, but he sure enjoyed banging those nails in.” I grin at the memory. “Randy is high-functioning, but he has some coordination issues. His slower speech pattern is noticeable, and he can be awkward in social situations. Sometimes he blurts out things he shouldn’t, but hell, so do I.” I chuckle.
“Every week you visit him?”
“Yep. We hang out. We always shoot some hoops, and sometimes we might work on a building project or watch movies.”
“How old is he?”
“Twenty-three. He had recently moved in when I first met him.”
“So, you’re like a big brother to him as well.”
“I am. And he’s an only child, so I take that role seriously.”
Putting my signal on, I pull into the bowling alley and park my truck. I glance over at Roxanne and find her worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. “Don’t be nervous. This is supposed to be fun.”
She turns toward me. “I’m not.”
I’m pretty sure she’s not being truthful, but I know once we’re inside and she sees how cool everyone is her nerves will be forgotten.
Holding her hand, I lead her inside to the shoe rental where she exchanges the sexy-as-fuck heels she’s partial to for a pair of not-so-sexy tri-colored bowling shoes. I switch out my sneakers for a similar looking pair and then we set off in search of familiar faces. I catch a glimpse of Bonnie’s white-blonde hair and move in that direction.
I gently squeeze Roxanne’s hand. “Relax. No one’s going to bite you—at least not until we get back to your place.”
“Is that a promise?” she asks, throwing down the challenge.
“If you’re game, I sure as fuck am.”
We come upon my friends before either of us can say more. I introduce Roxanne to everyone and she instantly seems relieved.
Bonnie immediately pulls me to the side. “Did you tell Randy to watch The Big Lebowski to get ready for bowling tonight?” She doesn’t look happy. “Put this on.” She hands me a worn bathrobe, and before I ask, I understand why.
“Adam, is this your girlfriend?” Randy steps into view. He’s dressed in all purple with a