The Light in my Darkness

Chapter 7

When Scott pulled up in front of the diner, you placed a hand on Clint's arm to stop him before he got out. "You should know that this is my family in a way. They are more than a little overprotective and it kind of shifted into super mode when I quit. More because I told them my new boyfriend wanted me to focus on school which he was paying for. Just thought I should warn you."

His lips twitched and something mischievous twinkled in his eyes. "Don't be a creeper. Got it."

You rolled your eyes and shoved him. He laughed as he climbed out and offered you hand. You let him help you out of the car but were surprised when he wrapped an arm around your waist to keep you close to him. As you neared the door, you planted your feet, suddenly terrified. "Maybe we should go somewhere else."

Clint stopped and looked down at you with a furrow in his brow. After a moment, he said, "Why did you bring me here?"

"Because you'll love their food," you answered with no hesitation. "And because I don't want them thinking you're going to lock me up in a closet or something."

"Both are perfectly valid reasons for this visit, so relax. Besides, I'm starving so let's go."

With that he put more pressure on your hip and pulled you along with him to the door. Once the bell announced your presence, escape was no longer an option. Curtis looked up at the sound, grinning when he saw you. The smile faded as his gaze shifted from you to Clint.

His oldest son Matt was wiping down the counter and turned to follow his dad's glare. His own expression was soon an exact mirror of Curtis's. You weren't about to let them even start. "Maria, tell your men to quit scowling at my date."

"What are you doing here, baby?" came the woman's familiar voice, immediately putting you at ease. When she emerged from the kitchen her smile slipped for less than half a second before it was firmly back in place. She snapped her dish towel at both men as she passed by. "Back to work, you two."

She pulled you into a hug. "It is so good to see you."

You laughed as you hugged her back. "You literally saw me two days ago."

She huffed. "It's different now. There used to be a schedule so I knew exactly how long it would be between seeing you. Now, who knows?" Her hands moved through the air in an exaggerated gesture and you shook your head. "And who's this?" She smiled at Clint as though she hadn't been pointedly avoiding him up until that point.

"Everyone, this is Clint. Clint this is Maria, Curtis and Matt."

"And Josh!" came from the direction of the kitchen and your friend stuck his head out to wave.

Clint extended his hand to Maria. She took it but didn't shake. Instead, she just held it as she looked him over. "And Clint is who exactly?"

"Seriously?" you muttered loud enough for her to shoot a frown in your direction.

"Clint is the man fortunate enough to be dating beautiful here," he said.

"Good answer," Marie said, finally shaking his hand. She turned to you. "He's smart and pretty."

Your face heated and you groaned. "Thanks, Maria."

She nodded once. "You're welcome."

Clint was chuckling and you elbowed him gently in the side. "You wouldn't by any chance have any enchiladas, would you?" You couldn't keep the hope from your voice. Maria's enchiladas were an off-menu specialty so you never knew when they'd be available but they were your absolute favorite food on the planet.

She smiled and turned to head back to the kitchen. "Joshua, eighty-six the enchilada special."

"There's two trays here, ma," he responded.