Page 84 of Maxwell

“Of course.”

Maura finished plating the food, which included garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and a salad to go with the chicken. For dessert, she had purchased a cheesecake from her favorite bakery.

They called the men into the kitchen, and the four of them carried the dishes into the dining room. As Jasmine reviewed the lovely setting, she realized she had not only been concerned about her sister and Brick giving a passing grade to Maxwell. She also wanted them to make a good impression on him, and Maura had set an impressive table, putting out her best plates, silverware, and crystal goblets for the wine and water, which Jasmine appreciated.

She and Maxwell sat next to each other, and Maura and Brick sat across the table from them. Though initially worried about the evening, Jasmine relaxed as conversation flowed easily between them.

They talked about their professions, and Maura shared a typical day in cardiology. Brick, who practiced criminal law, shared funny stories about some of his clients. Jasmine used the opportunity to brag on Maxwell, pointing out how he’d figured out that one of their young patients had lead poisoning, which had been confirmed the day before by an independent lab.

When Maura mentioned wanting to take a trip to Mexico since she hadn’t been to the country in years, Maxwell recommended visiting Mexico City if she had time.

“Have you ever been?” he asked.

“No,” Maura admitted.

“You can’t beat the food, and the people are very friendly considering it’s one of the largest cities in the world. Lots of museums and historical sites. I have a cousin who does walking tours of the city and knows every nook and cranny and off-the-beaten-path location. Let me know when you’re going, and I’ll get you in touch with her. She’ll make sure you have a great time.”

Maura’s eyes brightened. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

They also took time to make fun of Jasmine, listing their complaints.

“Oh, and all the pillows on her bed,” Maxwell said.

“Yes, the pillows!” Maura exclaimed, a little too enthusiastically.

“That’s why I never sleep at her place. We’re always at mine.”

She shot him a look. “Keep talking like that and we won’t be sleeping at your place, either.”

“Sorry, babe.” He flung his arm around her and kissed her cheek.

Jasmine caught her sister’s look of approval as warmth seeped into her veins.

They continued talking long after the glasses were empty, the dinner plates cleared, and the dessert plates only held crumbs. Jasmine was disappointed when she noted the time and realized they’d have to leave soon. She’d had such a fabulous time and gleaned new information during the course of the evening.

She had paid special attention when Maxwell talked about his parents, pointing out that ever since his brother had taken over Santana International—his father’s company—his parents spent a lot more time together because his father made time. They read books together. They traveled. He hadn’t seen them this close in years, and they seemed to truly enjoy each other’s company.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Maura said.

Nodding, Brick slipped his arm across the back of her chair. “A lot of people don’t understand what spending the rest of your life with someone means. A successful, happy marriage means being with someone that you not only love, you like them too. You want to spend time with them.”

Maura cast an affectionate glance at her husband, and he squeezed her shoulder. The evening ended shortly thereafter, with Maura and Brick walking them out to the car, the men ahead of the women.

“Well, what’s the verdict?” Jasmine whispered.

“I like him,” Maura replied in a low voice. “He’s funny and charming and considering his upbringing, really down to earth. It doesn’t hurt that he bribed us with some damn good tequila. You could do worse.”

They hung back to talk privately, while the men chatted beside the car.

“I know. He’s pretty amazing, isn’t he?”

“He is, and if things don’t work out between the two of you, I’m pretty sure he has a shot with Brick. I can’t believe how many times he mentioned The Flash tonight. When I get my husband alone, I’m giving him a piece of my mind.”

Jasmine snickered. “Cut him some slack. It’s not every day he gets to meet the brother-in-law of one of his sports heroes.”

Maura pursed her lips and grunted. “Do you think Maxwell will come through with the autograph?”

“He will.”