Promises (TP 6)

74 - Redneck

This is the second of a double update.

Kristi woke up with Dan. He wasn't traveling for the week, which was a good thing. The project was over, so he was back to his regular responsibilities, whatever they were. She truthfully didn't know. Did Megan know what Peter did? Jen knew what Alex did, and Patrick's job wasn't a secret.

"Do you have your date today?" Dan looked up from his coffee. They made coffee at home in the morning, unlike many of their neighbors who bought it every day.

She smiled because he was teasing her. "Not today. He's busy."

"With his girl? What's her name again?"

Kristi didn't know how he could have forgotten. She mentioned her enough, especially before she knew her. "Tessa, and you know it."

"Right, Tessa." He winked.

"He's not seeing Tessa. He's been dealing with Hannah and he's getting in over his head."

"Well, I'm sure you'll keep him from drowning. My little lifesaver." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Have a good day."

"You too. Hey Dan." He paused at the door. "I love you."

"Ditto Kris."

Tucker stood next to her. "What do you want? Oh, I know. Let me throw some clothes on." She looked at the clock. It was early enough she might see some nice scenery on a morning run while she walked.

She had the entire morning to herself, because even Ivy had reached the sleeping late phase. Neither of her kids slept like Patrick's girls, who often weren't seen until lunch time. Short on milk and bread, she wrote a list and took a trip to town. She needed to buy extras because she would feed more kids all summer, but she thrived on it.

Not unexpectedly, she had three boys in her kitchen at lunchtime. She asked, "Where's Ivy?"

"She's eating with Sophie."

Even trade. "Hey, Kev, is your dad home yet?"

He nodded. "He came home with groceries right as I was going out."

She picked up her phone.

K: Come over for lunch

P: I just ate. You just want an update.

K: Liked "I just ate. You just want an update."

P: I'll walk over after I talk to H

K: Liked "I'll walk over after I talk to H"

Her kitchen was clean and the beach towels folded, so she put on the TV and tried to occupy herself with an episode of Friends. Was it on all day, every day?

Unlike her, Patrick knocked and waited for her to come to the door. She ushered him in. "Did you see any kids you recognized on your way over?"

He shook his head. "I haven't seen Kev since before lunch."

"I fed the three boys."

"I should give you a grocery stipend in the summer."

She waved her hand. "Details are payment enough. So tell me the dets on your meeting."

He laughed. "You are so cool and I'm the one surrounded by teens at home and work."

"Ah, come on. You're the cool surfer dad." She loved to tease him

"I liked her. She didn't throw me under the bus, so that's the good news."

"When will Hannah see her?"

"Friday. Do I trust her to go on her own or do I ask Gabby to be responsible?"

"Don't get her sister involved. I can get her ass there if someone needs to."

He laughed before he frowned. "I count on you too much."

"No, you don't. Plus, you have Tessa now, so I'm not seeing the same job security." She thought of Dan and frowned.

"Come on. Don't look so sad. I won't throw you over. How could I? You are far too nosy."

"I know. But I prefer caring to nosy." He shook his head and laughed. "I was thinking about Dan."

"Why would Dan make you frown?"

She shook her head. She hadn't spoken to anyone about New Jersey and his decision. "Just some work stuff he had to deal with."

"Are you okay? You know this friendship thing goes two-ways."

"I know, but if I want you and Dan to be friends, I need to remember he's my real best friend, not you."

"So you can't get upset with me if Tessa moves in, because I never had the top spot."

She shook her head and laughed. "Did you ever think you did? You and Megan share the second spot."

"Equal to Megan. That's not bad. I'll take it."

"How are things going, lover boy?"

He blushed again. "I think she's fallen in love with me."

Kristi's eyes grew wide. This was bigger than she expected. "Tessa?"

He winked. "No, Chloe."

"Oh, well, she is freaking adorable. You could do a lot worse."

"Maya hasn't warmed up yet."

"She's quiet."

He nodded. "She likes Gabby. Maybe I'll get my daughter to politick for me."

"Why do you care so much?"

"Because it matters if Tessa and I are going to make this work."

"Make this work. It sounds like a task."

"No, not at all, but there are a lot of obstacles in our way. The more we eliminate, the more we can focus on us."

"As Hannah assumed in the bedroom." Kristi couldn't help herself.

"If only you knew. I don't kiss and tell, but we are doing just fine. It might be the only place we are."

"That's not true. I think I'll throw a little summer party. Dinner on Saturday night. Tell Tessa to get a babysitter. No, even better, I'll invite her myself."

"What do you have in mind?" Did he trust her?

"Dinner for three couples. Tessa likes Megan. Excellent food, lots of drinks. A nice summer night. It's perfect."

"Tessa doesn't drink."

"I guess it's a good thing since she's the only one who needs to drive. Unless she crashes at your house."

Patrick blushed. He was adorable with red cheeks. She laughed.

He glared. "What's so funny?"

Her words struggled to get out through her laughter. "You give a new meaning to the term 'redneck'."

He stood up. "I'm leaving. Thanks for nothing."

"Awe come on. I know you love me."

He signed. "You would hunt me down if I didn't. I have things to do. Tell my kid hello for me if you see him again."

"Okay. Bye. See you Saturday night."

She had a party to plan. She picked up her phone to call Megan, but put it down. It was easier to walk across the street.