Page 8 of Loving Kai

Gentry handed him a bag with paper plates, napkins, and packages of Parmesan cheese and red peppers. “Is the river going to flood again?”

“It might. A good chance, actually.”

“We’ll keep the stove going if people need a place to come hang out or get a hot meal.”

“Thanks.”

Abe smiled. “Anything to help out our neighbors in a time of need.”

Justin laughed. “Wow.”

Gentry put a hand on Abe’s shoulder. “Our brother is trying out maturity.”

“Oh, I see. How’s that working out for you, Abe?”

Abe flipped them both off. “Laugh all you want. Make fun of me. That’s cool. You two are both married with children. Your life is basically over.”

Gentry smiled. “I’ll inform my hot wife when I go home tonight that our lives are basically over.”

“Whatever.” Having hot wives, which they both had, didn’t make up for the noisy, messy kids. He loved his nieces and nephews, but only in small doses. He certainly wouldn’t want to live with them.

It had been an unusually slow Sunday, and Gentry went home by mid-afternoon. After an hour with no customers, Abe was having trouble finding things to do. He’d prepped extra dough, cut as many vegetables as he dared, and made a batch of marinara for tomorrow.

Maggie had been deep-cleaning the dining room, leaving the tables sparkling and the salt, pepper, red pepper, and Parmesan shakers filled to the brim. When Bruce came in, he talked to her for a few minutes, then handed over the car keys. She gave him a small wave, then went to the bathroom.

Abe waved Bruce over. “How’s her car?”

“The radiator is shot. I just told her it’s not worth putting money into that old wreck.” He glanced toward the bathroom. “She didn’t take it too well.” He nodded toward the tray of oversized cookies from Abe’s mother.

Abe smiled. “Go ahead.”

Bruce picked up an oatmeal raisin cookie. “Thanks, man.”

“Hey, can you tow the car to my place?”

“Sure. Do you think you can fix her?”

“I’ll give it a shot.” Bruce nodded, and Abe added, “Have a good day.”

Bruce left, and Abe gave Maggie five minutes before going to check on her. He knocked on the door. “Maggie?”

“What? Do we have customers?”

“No. I’m just checking on you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I don’t think you are.”

Maggie opened the door, then sighed. “I’m fine. I drove that thing much longer than I should’ve. It’s been good to me.”

“Are you able to buy something right away?”

“I don’t want to. But I guess I’ll have to.”

“Gentry and I can get you back and forth to work until you do.”

“Thanks. My brother can drive me some of the time.” Abe started to say something, then stopped, and she shook her head. “You didn’t know I had a brother, did you?”