Page 104 of The Meeting
“Thanks for the help, you two. I always appreciated extra hands,” Derek said.
“We’re happy to help,” Kailynn said. “I’ll brush these cuties any day.”
She stroked the horse in front of her, who stared at her as she did so. Being near the animals felt like a normal occurrence, despite just being introduced to them a few days prior. If one thing was for certain, she wanted to come back to Montana to visit Buttercup.
Chase took Kailynn’s hand in his as they walked back up to the house.
“Thank you for agreeing to do dinner at my parents’ place. I know that probably wasn’t easy.”
Kailynn looked over at him. “I would never take time away from your family. And we are here so you can see them.”
“Regardless, I appreciate it. Mama promised to behave.”
She laughed. “I’m not worried.”
They took turns showering, and Derek soon came up to take a quick shower as well before they drove over to their parents’ property.
Tomorrow, they would return to California. Kailynn would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t looking forward to it. As much as she enjoyed the landscape in Montana, she was looking forward to normalcy in her life.
They arrived quickly and Kailynn took a deep breath, praying that Jane wouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable. Watching any of the exchanges was too awkward for her to deal with, and she wanted to leave Montana with a lasting good memory of his mom.
“Brace yourself, Kailynn. Mama always has something up her sleeve,” Derek said, before winking at her and walking inside first.
Chase laughed. “She’ll leave us alone. I’m sure it’ll be Derek who’s targeted tonight.”
Kailynn threw a worried glance inside, especially when she saw the long, dark hair of a woman she didn’t recognize.
What is Jane up to?
Chase pulled open the door for Kailynn to walk in first. She stepped inside, and Derek glanced back at her with widened eyes.
“Hey! Chase, you remember Sandy, right? Kailynn, this is Sandy. She went to school with the boys. And she happens to be single. Isn’t that right?” Jane threw an exaggerated wink at Derek in an attempt to be funny.
Chase chuckled, but Kailynn threw an elbow into his side, glaring up at him.
Sandy stepped over to Kailynn and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well,” Kailynn said.
“Good seeing you again, Sandy,” Chase said.
“You too, Chase.”
Kailynn threw a sympathetic look at Derek, who only shrugged in response. His shoulders sagged as he sat down at the table. The weight of his secret weighed on him. She sat across from him and tapped his foot with hers, so he looked up.
She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile and he gave her a small smile back before shrugging again. Chase sat down next to her and Sandy sat in the seat next to Derek.
Sandy bumped her shoulder against Derek’s, and he smiled over at her. She gave him a small smile, but it didn’t seem to be if she was asking him if he was okay. She knew. Sandy knew he was gay. Her fingers inched toward his and gave them a light squeeze.
“Isn’t this just great?” Jane said. “These two have known each other for forever, so I thought it would be fun to have a little reunion.”
“I’m gay,” Derek said, loudly.
Chase’s head snapped up, and his eyes widened. Kailynn tapped her foot against Derek’s to let him know she was there for him. He smiled at her from across the table and his hand squeezed Sandy’s.
“You… what?” Jane said.
Rob sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. His expression was unreadable, but he looked anything but disappointed.
