One More Time (Ruby Falls #2) - Aurora Rose Reynolds Page 0,44

Hunter says a quick prayer before we dig into our food and there is something about that I really like because it seems they always do it, and it’s not something just for show like my parents have done at dinner parties in the past.

As Hunter and Tide talk about work, Jolene tells me about a couple of projects in the house that she is attempting to do herself, and I’m honestly awed by her. Instead of paying someone to work on her house, she’s taken classes and had Tide show her how to paint, tile, hang wallpaper, and refinish floors—all things I wouldn’t have the guts to do. Honestly, even thinking about starting a project like that is overwhelming.

“So I know Tide mentioned you’re an author. Is that your full-time job?” Jolene asks during a lull in conversation, and I open my mouth to answer, but Tide cuts in before I can.

“She’s a very successful author, Mom. She even has a series that is being turned into movies.”

“Really?” Hunter asks, and my cheeks warm. I hate talking about myself and my work. I always feel awkward.

“Really,” Tide takes my hand under the table. “And I just finished the final book in that series, so if they do it justice while filming, I have no doubt it’s going to be a huge success.”

“That’s very impressive, Aria,” Jolene says softly, and since I don’t know what to say, I just shrug.

“She doesn’t like talking about her success.” Tide gives my hand a squeeze. “But trust me—she’s got talent.”

“She must if they are making one of her books into a movie,” Jolene says.

“Not one. Three,” Tide corrects her, and she smiles fondly at her son before looking at me.

“You’ll have to give me the titles so I can read them.”

My heart starts to pound and my stomach rolls with nervousness. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t.” She waves me off. “I want to.”

“Mom loves reading, baby,” Tide tells me quietly.

“She loves to read books with half-naked men wearing kilts on the covers,” Hunter grumbles, and I laugh.

“Sorry.” I look at Jolene. “I’m not laughing at you. I actually enjoy those kinds of books too.”

“Really?” she asks, and I nod, then rattle off some of my favorite authors. A few of them we have in common, which means we spend the rest of dinner talking about our favorite books and favorite scenes. The guys listen to us, sipping their beers and adding in commentary every once in a while. It mostly includes them saying that if they tried anything the men in the books did, they would end up in the doghouse. Since they aren’t wrong, we don’t deny it.

After we finish dinner and have chocolate cake for dessert, Tide and I help Jolene clean up, while Hunter goes to the den to watch TV—something Jolene just rolls her eyes about.

“Thank you for dinner, Mom.” Tide wraps his arms around his mom and kisses the top of her head as I finish wiping down the counters.

“You’re welcome.” She pats his chest. “Feeding you is the least I could do after I put you to work today.” Her eyes come to me. “Will you be spending Halloween with us this year, Aria?”

“Definitely.” I smile.

“Have you figured out what you are going to dress up as this year?” she asks Tide, and he shakes his head.

“Not yet. We need to talk to Olivia to see what she wants the three of us to go as,” he says, and the idea of being included warms my chest with happiness.

“Well, I can’t wait to see. I have no doubt it’s going to be picture-worthy.” She laughs, then comes over to give me a hug. “Thank you for coming to dinner, Aria.”

“Thank you for having me,” I say when she lets me go, and Tide takes my hand and leads me into the den, where we say goodnight to his dad before heading for the front door.

“Do you mind if I get your number from Tide?” Jolene asks me when we step out onto the porch. “I’d love to meet up with you for lunch one day.”

“I’d like that a lot.”

“Good.” She looks at Tide. “Love you, honey.”

“Love you too, Mom.” Tide lifts his chin, then leads me to the passenger side of his truck.

After he opens my door, I get in and wave to Jolene, realizing that I’m sad to leave. Being around Tide and his parents was refreshing, and seeing the kind of