Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
TANDY
W hy didn’t I tell Matthew that I’d just meet him over there? And why am I even invited? I know Haley. And I like Haley. We get along and have lunch occasionally.
But I don’t have dinner with them. In their home.
The invitation to the barbecue was an unexpected surprise. And Cami is the reason for that. But she’s not the reason I’m invited tonight. And that has me curious.
Matthew pulls up to the curb and gets out of the truck. The man has aged well. His hair is silver, and his gait has changed. It’s less youthful strut and more measured stride. But the forever twinkle in his eye is a constant reminder of the younger version. And he hasn’t lost his charm.
He opens the passenger door. “Did you get a lot written this afternoon?”
“A lot isn’t the right word, but I got part of a chapter done. These characters are staying a bit quiet, which is making it hard.”
Once I’m buckled in, he closes the door and goes back to the driver’s side. “Anything I can do to help?”
“Nope.” I stare ahead, curious and nervous. “I called to cancel, but you didn’t answer.”
“You got something against a free dinner?”
“Why did you invite me to dinner, Matthew? I know you’re the reason I’m going. And I shouldn’t have said yes because?—”
He rests his hand on mine. “You spend most evenings alone, right? I thought this would be nice. And I told Zach that we are friends working together. Nothing more.”
This eases my mind, but only a little. “Well, that’s good. And yes. Unless there is a girl’s night or something special, I’m usually home alone. But now Colt is staying at the house. I made food and left him a plate in the fridge.” I glance down at Matthew’s hand still on mine, and although I should tug my hand free, I don’t. “I am so glad you got to him before he fell.”
“Me too. He’s a good kid. Sorry, young man.”
I laugh. “He’s younger than your grandkids. It probably seems really young to an old guy like you.”
“Says the older woman riding with me.” He squeezes my hand.
I grin, accepting that I walked right into that one.
He parks in front of Zach and Haley’s place. “I’m still getting used to the idea of great-grandkids. Just saying the word makes me feel old.”
“They’re cuties. And the twins both have your green eyes. They’ll be heartbreakers one day.”
The gleam in his eye dims. “I never meant to break your heart, Tandy. I hope you know that.”
“Hindsight is twenty-twenty. It’s easy to see that now. But seventeen-year-old me saw the world through a different lens.” I squeeze his hand before tugging mine free. “I’m not angry with you anymore, Matthew. It’s all water under the bridge.”
“Good.” He slides out and comes around to open my door. “I guess we shouldn’t sit and chat in the truck. It attracts an audience.”
Both little boys have their faces plastered to the window beside the door.
“It appears so.”
Haley opens the door as we step onto the porch. “Come in. Josh and Jeremy are eager to show Grampy their new trucks.” She steps aside. “Zach is out back, grilling steaks.”
Matthew gets accosted by those two bright-eyed little guys, and they both grab a hand and drag him out the back door.
Haley shakes her head. “Zach’s parents sent the boys motorized trucks. They’ve been driving around the yard. I’m just waiting for the first major accident. Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Yes. Anything is fine.” I follow her into the kitchen. “Can I help get stuff ready?”
“I think I’m good. The fries are in the oven, and the salad is dressed and in the fridge.” She pours me a glass of sparkling wine. “I’ve been thinking about your idea, the one you called about. There is a trend of strangers doing a photoshoot together, and I can see that being a fun icebreaker for your matched couples. Would you want it as a regular part of the process or just for some couples?”
“Not sure yet. But I definitely want to do it with the first couple. I don’t even know who will offer themselves as guinea pigs for a matchmaking service. Hopefully, the idea doesn’t die before it gets going.”
“We can rally others to spread the word. One or two happily matched couples will be a big draw for others to participate. And I can’t wait to shoot strangers posing together.” She sips her wine. “Zach and I are glad you and Matthew are on speaking terms. He said he hasn’t seen his granddad this happy since before his grandma died.”
I maintain a casual expression, but inside my thoughts are on a tilt-a-whirl. Is his happiness giving people the wrong impression? “Matthew has been a huge help with the ranch. And he worked with Blake on my renovations. Plus, he leaves chocolates all over my house. How could I not forgive him?”
She laughs. “He’s a sweet talker. Has he had you out to the ranch to ride horses yet?”
“Oh gosh, no. I haven’t been on a horse in over a decade. And I have no plans to change that. There’s no reason to.” I shudder, making a show of it. “I’d probably end up breaking a hip.”
“Don’t say that!” Haley slides the fries out of the oven, then leans out the back door. “The veggie tray is ready.”
“Veggie tray?” I’m curious and amused.
She pulls her curls up and holds them in place with a clip. “It’s a running joke I have with Zach. I’m not the biggest veggie fan, but I’m learning. Now that we have kids, I feel obligated to set a good example. Thankfully, they seem to have their dad’s taste buds.”
The guys bring the kiddos in, and I wait near the table as Zach and Haley buzz around in the kitchen. Jeremy—at least I think that’s who it is because I’m still learning to tell the twins apart—taps my leg and puts his arms up. So I lift him into my arms. Grinning, he points at his chair.
“You need help getting into your seat? Miss Tandy will help you.” I ease him into the seat and slide the tray into place. “There you go.”
Zach sets the platter of steaks on the table, and Haley adds the salad and fries.
“Thanks for getting him settled. He loves to eat. We sometimes have to coax Josh to the table, but the mere mention of food has Jeremy running this way.”
I snag a fry off the plate and drop it on his tray.
He devours it, then taps my arm, smiling.
“You’ve made a new friend.” Matthew nudges me before pulling out the chair beside Jeremy.
I ease into the seat. “Thanks.”
Matthew sits next to me, chuckling as Zach wrangles Josh into his highchair.
It’s like I’ve stepped into someone else’s life. And I like it.
As Matthew drives me home, I send off a text to my ranch lady friends. Lilith, Joji, and Ava have welcomed me into their group even though I have at least two decades on them. And recently, Mindy and Stephanie have been joining us. I have a tribe, and I love it.
Me: When y’all are free, we should have lunch or dinner. I’ll give updates on what’s happening with the ranch.
My friends only know that I’ve bought a ranch and plan to start matchmaking. But I know they’re eager for more info.
Stephanie is the first to respond, and her reply surprises me.
Stephanie: Will we get an update on Matthew as well?
I expected that from Joji or Lilith, but not Stephanie.
Joji: That’s what I want to know. How was dinner tonight?
Lilith: Dinner? You went on a date with Matthew?
Ava: I’m free tomorrow evening. The guys are having poker night.
Mindy: Why don’t y’all come here?
Texts keep popping up in the chat, which amuses me. Two months ago, I would’ve been irritated with all the talk about Matthew. Now, I’m not.
“Something amusing over there?” He glances at me as he pulls up in front of my house.
“Planning a girls’ night.” I tap out one more text in the group chat.
Me: I’m free tomorrow. Let me know what time and what to bring.
“I had fun tonight.” I reach for the door handle.
He slides out. “I’ll get your door.”
I keep telling myself that he’s just being chivalrous. And I’m hoping that’s true because I’m not open to anything more. I’m much too old for that.
The door opens, and he holds out his hand. “Thanks for going. The boys are fun, aren’t they?”
“So cute. I feel almost young just being around them.” I unlock the front door. “Want to come in for a cup of tea or something?”
Matthew glances at the driveway, where only my truck is parked. And I wonder where Colt is this evening.
“Tea sounds good. Give me a second and I’ll grab us something to have with it.” He strides back to his truck.
“Do you tote candy around with you everywhere?”
He grins as he walks back toward me with a paper bag in his hand. “Only if there is a chance you’ll be around.”
“Keep this up, and I’m going to gain twenty pounds before my new place gets built.”
“Walking is good exercise. Maybe in the morning, we could go for a stroll. Either here in town or out on the ranch. Whaddya say?”
I stop in the middle of the living room and face him. “Are you saying I need to exercise?”
He leans down until our noses are almost touching. “I’m saying I want to spend time with you every morning.”
I back my way into the kitchen, staring at him.
And this seems to amuse the man. “Watch out for that doorframe. You don’t want to crack your head open.”
After a huff, I turn around and march into the kitchen. “Mint or peach?”
“Surprise me.” He pulls mugs out of the cabinet while I fill the tea kettle. “Honey or sugar?”
“Honey.” I stare at the kettle, waiting for steam to exit the spout.
Then I feel warmth behind me. “I’m picking up the plans for your place tomorrow morning. He texted during dinner. Want to grab breakfast, then go out to the build site?”
I like this. I enjoy having company in the evening, and Matthew has been here for a lot of evenings these last few weeks. But I’m hesitant to give even the slightest hint that there is more than friendship growing.
“That sounds like a good plan, and I’d be up for walking before breakfast.”
“Perfect.” He rests a hand on my hip and leans in closer. “Your cats are staring at me like I’m their next meal, but I think that’s because their bowls are empty.”
I both feel and hear his chuckle.
“Chip and Dale, I’m sorry, fellas. I’m not usually gone so much. I can’t believe I forgot to refill your bowls.” I step away from Matthew and get the cat food container out of the pantry.
By the time my cats are happily eating and no longer giving Matthew the death glare, he has two mugs filled with tea. “Table or back porch?”
“Porch.”
We slip outside, sip tea, and listen to the chorus of night critters.
After several minutes, Matthews says, “I don’t expect my grandkids to fill my calendar. They have their own lives. And two of my three kids live out of town, not that I’d expect that of them either. But, you know, some nights, the quiet is like a heavy blanket. It pins you in place even though you’re uncomfortable. And there are lots of ways to avoid being alone. But I don’t want you to think that’s the reason I’ve been over so much.”
I pinch my lips, trying to decide how to tell him that we’re too old for romantic notions. As much as I love matching couples, I’m not interested in getting matched.
“I like your company, Tandy. You’re whip smart, a great conversationalist, and a friend. Thanks for carving out time for me.” He lifts his mug. “To old friends.”
“Who are you calling old?” Laughing, I clink my mug against his. “This is nice. And I’m glad we’re on the same page about this being nothing more than friendship. I left my phone inside because I’m being bombarded with texts asking about our dinner date. I’m not sure how the ladies even know we went to dinner. But they’re in a tizzy. It’s funny, but only because it’s so far from the truth.”
“Probably my fault that they know. I bumped into Clint at the hardware store. Dinner came up in conversation, and I must’ve mentioned you.” He stares out into the dark, sipping his tea.
“I’ll get it all straightened out with them tomorrow night. I heard the guys are playing poker.”
“Yep. And this time I plan to win.”
It’s too dark to see the twinkle in his eye, but I know it’s there.
And that makes me happy.
It’s late when Colt slips in the front door. He jumps when he sees me on the sofa. “Yikes. Why are you sitting in the dark?”
“I was scrolling on my phone. Watching videos and such.”
“And waiting for me to get back?” He flashes a crooked grin. “I was building that dog a place to sleep. No one has claimed him, and when that mutt isn’t trying to kill me, I like having him around.”
“If you want to bring him home with you at night, the cats can sleep in my room. They do most of the time anyway.”
He shrugs. “We’ll see. I might take you up on that.”
“And if you’re going to keep him, choose a name.” I stand and tuck my phone in my pocket. “I probably shouldn’t have waited up, but after that roof kerfuffle, I worry.”
“You worried before that.”
“There’s a plate of food in the fridge for you.”
“You’re the best, Miss Tandy.” He sets his hat aside and runs his fingers through his hair. “And between you and me, I don’t mind you worrying. It’s nice to know someone is thinking about me.”
I pat his arm as I walk past him. “Night, Colt.”