Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
His dad reached out, circling Robert’s shoulders. “Then you come with me. I’ll show you what good tastes like.” He tugged Robert forward into the house without even acknowledging Landon’s return home for the first time in two years.
“Pop, let him get acclimated…” Landon called out. He had mentally prepared for Robert to hear every ailment his family could come up with, but he’d never considered his father trying to one-up Paulie in the kitchen.
“Pop, Pop. What is there, a parakeet around here?” His father threw the words back over his shoulder, looking at Landon with a giant grin on his face like he’d told the funniest joke in the world. Then he did something Landon had never seen before, he winked. “Get in the house. I’m not air conditioning the whole neighborhood.”
His father and Robert were gone, Robert only casting a playful smile over his shoulder as they turned away from the entrance and out of sight.
“He’s been cooking all day,” his mother said, reaching up for Landon, giving him a hug and a kiss.
“He’s been planning this since he found out who you were bringing home,” Lori added, hip-bumping him before moving past them into the house.
“He’s been talking to his mom and her friends, getting a good recipe for dinner. It’s been sweet,” his mother said, a smile lighting her face.
Landon gave a humorless laugh at his father ever being considered sweet and followed the rest of his family inside, still analyzing what that wink from his father had meant. Landon cocked his head toward the kitchen, listening to his father bragging about the fresh ingredients he’d used to make his gravy from scratch.
“Honey, go put your stuff in your bedroom. You two are staying in there tonight. Parker and your uncle are sleeping on the pullout sofa.”
He immediately shook his head, knowing firsthand how uncomfortable the old sofa sleeper was. “We planned to get a hotel room. It’s already reserved.”
“No, sir,” she said, instantly looking hurt and offended. “You two are staying here. We never get to see you anymore, and it’s only for one night.”
“Mom…” He started to protest again, but Robert’s voice stopped him.
“We can stay here, babe. Let your uncle and nephew have the hotel room tonight,” Robert suggested, sticking his head around the kitchen door. “It’s the closest Hilton to here. I reserved a small suite with room service. I believe there’s an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. It’s all on us. Enjoy yourselves.”
“Badass,” Parker said, doing an all-air fist pump before reaching for his cell phone and leaving the living room in a rush.
“Mom, I wanna go,” Presley said in a distinct whine, never lifting her head from her cell phone.
“Parker, what did we say about the language while Landon and Robert are here?” his mother scolded, but Landon knew Parker didn’t care in the least. He and Parker were too much alike. He didn’t even have to look to know Parker was already inviting all his friends to the Hilton for whatever impromptu party he planned. “Get your luggage in your room, son. I’m going to talk with Robert. It’s so exciting, you bringing your first friend home.” She hugged him again and started toward the kitchen. He saw the bag Robert had been holding lying on his father’s La-Z-Boy and grabbed it.
“Let me take it. You go with them,” his uncle suggested.
“I need to go wrangle Parker before all of Houston’s invited to the hotel,” Lori said, heading off after her son.
“Mom, I wanna go,” Presley said again, right on her heels.
“Lori, you all take the hotel. I’ll take your room tonight,” his uncle said, following them down the hall. Landon didn’t say another word. He’d let them decide. It was better not to leave Robert alone with his parents for too long.
“What an incredible meal. I was sorry to see Robert walking in the door and immediately drawn into the kitchen, but my goodness, you two created delicious goodness,” Karen said, dabbing the napkin to her lips, sitting back in her chair in the dining room, her dinner plate almost empty.
“We always eat meat. I’m surprised how much I enjoyed the vegan dishes, Robert. You have a true talent,” Uncle Michael said, taking another bite of the panzanella.
“I didn’t do much. It was all Tony,” Robert said, placing his fork at the edge of his finished dinner plate, not wanting to mess up the clean linen tablecloth. “It’s rare to see a carnivore so willing to try meatless options.”
Landon abruptly stood with his empty plate in hand and reached to take Robert’s. The move was part of their normal routine. Landon always insisted on cleaning after Robert prepared their meals. Robert just wasn’t certain their routine should hold tonight. He wanted Landon to spend time with his family. After hours together, he could see they were all so connected with one another. Robert took hold of his plate and reached for Landon’s, but Landon held on tight as Robert started to stand.