Ryker (Hope City #6) - Kris Michaels Page 0,6
chowder day?”
She laughed at her mom. “Yes, and bring Sharon with you. Chef has a recipe for sourdough bread that is fabulous with a salted herb butter he's created. It is divine.”
“That sounds wonderful. I want to hear all the details about your new beau. I know you wanted time to spend with him, but it's been a long time. Perhaps we can schedule a dinner at the house?”
“Mom, this is the first genuine relationship I've had. I like this guy and I don't want the boys pulling their puffed-up caveman routine. And Daddy... he will grill him.”
“Your father has grilled none of your boyfriends.” Hannah tsked and continued. “I can talk to the boys. They'll behave.”
“Maybe we can talk about scheduling a dinner next week at lunch?”
“That wasn't a no.” Her mother pointed the obvious out.
“To be honest, Mom, he's said he doesn't have a problem meeting you. It's me. I don't want to jinx this.”
“Brianna Marie King, your family is not a jinx!”
“No, I didn't mean it that way. I am just afraid of pushing it too fast, of doing something that will break this wonderful bubble we have surrounding this relationship. He's so good to me, Mom. I'm terrified of screwing it up.” She stared at her desk blotter, not really seeing it.
“Honey, if this man is right for you, having him meet us will not screw it up. If your brothers trying to protect you chases him away, maybe he's not strong enough to be there for you.”
“Mom, the boys would never run him off, it's the fact that they'll be assholes on purpose.”
“Language.”
She rolled her eyes at her mother's caution. “Mom, he's an amazing man.”
“Then let us meet him, honey. I promise to put the boys on notice.”
“And the McBrides, too.”
“I'll talk to Sharon. We still can snatch those young men by the ear and twist if we need to do it.”
She chuckled at the thought of her mom grabbing Brock or Brody's ear. Blayze—that she could picture. “Okay, we'll set a date next week at lunch.”
“That sounds perfect.” Hannah sighed. “Brie, honey, I'm so happy we've gotten closer and can visit about things like this.”
She closed her eyes and smiled. “We were close before, Mom, but you were pushing so hard to find me someone, I'll admit I was trying to avoid all contact. It wasn't exactly comfortable.”
“I know. I promised myself I'd try to do better.” Hannah laughed. “No more helicopter mom.”
“Hover Mother.” Brie laughed at Hannah's sound of derision.
“I've got to run. Have a wonderful day.”
“Thanks, Mom. Have fun at the book fair.”
She disconnected the call and leaned back in her chair, a faint smile lingering on her face. “Hey, Boss. Did you hear what happened to Mrs. P.'s place?” Lola, her hostess and front of house manager, stood at her door.
Brie shook her head. “No, when I came to work this morning, I saw a patrol car there, but I didn't stop.”
“Mrs. P. was outside sweeping up when I walked by. Some asshole threw a brick through her plate-glass window.”
“Why would anyone do that? It's a small travel agency. Someone mad at a bad cruise booking?”
“No. She's really upset though.” Lola leaned against the door frame. “Scary.”
“That's so sad. Hey, put a to-go order in for her and have someone take it to her before we open.”
Lola smiled. “I figured you'd want to do that. I already talked to the chef. If you didn't mention it, I would pick up the tab.”
“Nonsense. We take care of our neighbors. Oh, speaking of which, if Councilman Davis comes in, let me know.”
Lola nodded. “Sure will. Are they still stalling the ordinance change?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I gave them the petition with the signatures, we've done the yearly cost breakout for the delivery, even gotten insurance quotes and told them we would not hold the city responsible, would fund the program, and would sign waivers, but somehow it keeps getting pushed to the side for more urgent business. I hate wasting food.”
“I'll keep my eyes open.” She glanced at her watch. “I better get up to the front, we open in twenty minutes. Oh, Jeremy is running late. His babysitter called in sick, so he's scrambling to find someone.”
“Do we have enough servers without him?”
Lola shrugged. “We could get by if need be, and I could bus when I don't have to work the stand.”
“No, I'll bus the tables. Move Parker to cover Jeremy's tables, he's done it a couple times, and although he doesn't like