A Simple Wish About love - Karice Bolton Page 0,15
essentially humiliate you.”
“One way of looking at it.”
“And you say you feel bad about how you dumped her fifteen-plus years ago but aren’t too keen about her doing the same to you.” Erika smiled. “If I were to guess, you were a jock in high school. You were both king and queen at your homecoming. You stepped on a lot of toes on your way out of town, and now you’re surprised that someone would hold a grudge.”
“Well, if we’re to focus only on this one portion of my life, then you’re probably pretty accurate.”
“It’s the only part I know.” Erika smiled but noticed the sadness dart through his gaze.
“The way I see it is that Penny knew I was vulnerable and—”
The boys came back to the table with everything Scott had listed, plus more. That was when Drew wandered over to say hi, and Slade looked extremely relieved to leave that conversation behind.
The word vulnerable sank into Erika’s mind as she glanced at Drew. What made Slade feel exposed and vulnerable?
“How’s brunch?” Drew asked.
“Incredible,” Slade answered. “I’m glad Erika persuaded me to stay.”
Erika’s cheeks blushed, and she glanced at her son, who didn’t seem to notice.
“Well, I actually stopped by to see if Scott would be into a day hike with me and my brother, Joel. It’s just up to the lake after lunch.”
Scott nodded. “Is that okay, Mom?”
“Sure. Jeremy needs to ask his mom.”
Jeremy nodded as Drew tapped the table. “Great. Meet me in the parking lot after you finish, and we’ll go pick up my brother.”
When Drew left the table, Slade smiled at his empty plate. “I guess it’s time for me to reveal my true swine side.”
“Might as well.” Erika nodded. “I’d get it out of you eventually, anyway.”
Slade laughed and stood up just as Scott did too. “I’m gonna get some dessert.”
Erika nodded and watched them walk over to the buffet tables. Jeremy was still eating some sort of whipped potato side and not paying much attention to anything else.
Erika managed to polish off her pancake and debated about what she wanted next as Slade and Scott returned.
“Did you know Slade lives in Colorado?” Scott asked.
“And did you know Scott loves Miranda Cherry?”
Erika laughed, realizing she actually had no idea where Scott lived. He’d mentioned the city, but she hadn’t looked it up. And she very much knew her son had a crush on the latest singer to top the charts. She was the first female who’d seemed to come on Scott’s radar and made Erika keenly aware that her boy was growing up.
Erika looked over at Slade. “You must love the outdoors as much as we do out here.”
“It’s hard not to take advantage of what the outdoors has to offer. I tend to work a lot,” he confessed. “That’s why coming here sounded so appealing.”
“Penny lives in Washington? You’re from here?” Erika asked, and Slade shook his head.
“Idaho. I grew up in Idaho.”
“And that’s where she still lives.” Erika nodded as more pieces to the puzzle began to click together.
“Who’s Penny?” Scott asked as he dug into some cheesecake.
“She’s Slade’s love interest.”
Scott rolled his eyes. “Girls are too complicated.”
Erika chuckled. “I second that. I don’t think you should bother with them until you’re at least forty.”
“Does that rule apply to me too?” Slade joked.
Erika smiled. “Only if you want it to.”
Jeremy had wandered off to the dessert section as Scott finished his plate.
“What’s your favorite outdoor activity?” Slade asked Scott.
Scott shrugged. “Depends on the season.”
“Your mom told me that you’re an amazing snowboarder.”
Scott glanced at his mom as pride filled his eyes. “I’m all right. I still have lots of room for improvement.”
“We all do. That’s what makes life interesting.” Slade grinned.
Scott nodded. “Yeah.”
“Practice makes perfect,” Erika chimed in.
Scott pushed his empty plate forward as Jeremy brought back a piece of coconut cake.
“Good thing we’re going with Drew,” Scott whispered to his friend, who nodded.
Erika wasn’t exactly sure why Scott said that, but she hoped it was because he was extremely full.
As Erika stood to run through the buffet line again, Scott stood too and gave her a big hug. “I’m gonna go meet up with Drew now.”
Erika squeezed him back and nodded. “You be careful. No slippery rocks and stay on the paths.”
“I know.” Scott waved at Slade, and Jeremy followed behind him as they exited the restaurant.
Slade stood up and followed Erika through the buffet line. “He adores you.”
Erika grinned. “I hope so.”
“It’s stamped all over.”
Erika turned. “Are you close with