Page 13 of Loving Kai

She started to leave, and he took her arm. “We’re having a beer tonight.”

“Only one?”

He grinned. “We’ll start with one and see where we end up.”

The rain started coming down late in the afternoon, but it didn’t seem to slow the flow of customers. They stayed busy through dinner and didn’t slow down until seven. By eight, the place was empty, but it took them a while to close up because they hadn’t had time to get anything done until they turned the open sign off.

An hour later, they sat at a booth with beer and a basket of breadsticks. Maggie dipped one in the marinara, then took a bite. After she finished chewing, she shook her head. “We did it.”

“Yes, we did. I swear every time it rains, people think the end of the world is coming.”

“And a Rocco’s pizza is their final wish?”

“Of course. Isn’t it yours?”

“Hmm. Maybe.”

He took a sip of beer. “If you knew the world was ending, what would be the last thing you did?”

“Scream?”

“Before that.”

She thought for a moment. “Go on a trail ride.”

“Interesting.” He ripped a breadstick in half and took a bite.

“How about you?”

“I’d take off on my bike.”

“Okay. I should’ve guessed that. Would you go alone?”

“Unless someone wanted to come with me. But most likely alone.”

“That’s kind of sad, Abe.”

“You didn’t say anything about bringing a cowboy with you on your final trail ride.”

Maggie shook her head. “Why are we talking about this? So depressing. The world is not going to end anytime soon.”

“You’re right. At least I hope you’re right. I’m not quite ready to ride off into the sunset.”

She held up a hand. “Just one more question. Where would you go?”

“Anywhere. Nowhere. I’d just ride and see how far I got before the world disappeared.”

Maggie cocked her head. “You could do that without the threat of the end of the world.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I could, and I’ve thought about it from time to time. But I think I’d rather not do it alone. Besides, you and I kept this place going. But you and Gentry, I’m not so sure.”

“Oh my gosh. Gentry is more than capable.”

“I know, and dedicated. But he’s more dedicated to his family.”

“As he should be.”

“I agree. I’m not dissing him. He’s a great dad and husband. Family comes first. I’m glad Angie is paying for what she did, but Gentry missed a lot less work when he was sharing custody with her.”