Page 93 of The Perfect Distraction

Chapter Twenty-Four

Colton’s parents lived off a dirt road between Harbor Springs and Petoskey. It was a modest home surrounded by tall trees, which gave it that authentic “Up North” feel.

As Colton pulled down the long driveway, Beth took a deep breath and attempted to calm her nerves. Once again, Joey was playing on his tablet and didn’t notice anything was amiss, but Colton did. He reached across the seat and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Even though Colton’s mom had told him not to bring anything, Beth had insisted on baking a cake that was one of her sister’s, Brooke’s, favorite recipes. It was a patriotic-themed cake that not only tasted good but made an impressive presentation. Joey had helped decorate the white frosting with blueberries and raspberries, which made up the stars and stripes of the American flag. Periodically, she’d had to remind him not to eat all the fruit so they’d have enough for the cake.

“We’re here,” Colton said as he parked the car.

Joey immediately hopped out and raced up to the house, while Colton came around to give her a hand.

“How about if I carry the cake?” he said.

She was torn between wanting to be the one to present it and worrying about dropping it. In the end, she decided to go the safe route and let Colton carry it. After he took it from her and she stepped out, he leaned in for a brief kiss.

“What if someone was looking?” she said, although she appreciated the show of affection.

“Don’t care. Like Joey said, everybody knows you’re my girlfriend.”

Balancing the cake in one hand and clasping her hand with the other, he led her to the front door.

It had been a long time since she’d had to “meet the parents,” and even though she’d already met Joe, it still unnerved her. Thankfully, it was Mason who greeted them.

“Hey, guys. Everybody’s out back. C’mon in.”

Colton set the cake on the kitchen counter, and they followed Mason out the sliding glass door onto the deck. Joe was manning the grill, and Joey was helping his grandma spread a tablecloth over the picnic table.

Mrs. Woodward’s head popped up when she heard them approach, and she turned to greet them. She glanced at Beth’s and Colton’s entwined hands, but if it disturbed her, she quickly covered it up.

“You must be Beth. Judy Woodward,” she said, extending her hand.

Judy’s grip was strong and firm, which was surprising given her small frame. Small but mighty? The thought was a bit disconcerting.

“It’s nice to meet you. Joey’s told me a lot about you.”

“Likewise,” Judy said with a tight smile.

Cool and polite. I guess it could be worse. Just then, Joe came over with a towel thrown over his shoulder and said, “Hello, there. Glad you could join us today.”

His warm greeting soothed her frazzled nerves, and Beth smiled at him in return.

“I wanted to thank you for polishing my Petoskey stone,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”

“Oh. It was nothing,” he said, flapping his hand dismissively, but she could tell he appreciated the compliment.

“Are the hamburgers about done?” Judy said.

“Just about. Cheese on yours, Beth?” Joe asked.

“Sure.”

“Who wants to help me bring out the side dishes?” Judy said, directing the question at Joey. But he was distracted by his game again, and Beth decided to step up.

“I will.”

“Oh. Okay,” Judy said, barely masking her surprise. Or maybe it was disappointment. It was hard to tell.

Colton gave her hand another squeeze and then let go and went over to join Joe and Mason at the grill.