“Just one,” Timothy said, his head bent over the tablet as his finger swiped across the screen. “Are we having tomato soup too?”
“If you’d like.” Shayna turned and opened a cupboard, glad to see that there were still a couple of cans of the soup.
It didn’t take long to begin to warm it up. She found she was looking forward to the comfort food that made up their meal. Thankfully, it was a relatively cheap meal for the two of them, and it was perfect for the cold winter day.
Once the food was ready, she carried it to the table. “Time to eat, Bug.”
Timothy paused the video and slid off his stool. After picking up his glass, he came to the table and sat at his usual seat. Without her prompting, he prayed for their food, then picked up one of the fingers she’d cut his sandwich into. He dipped it in his soup and blew on it before taking a bite.
“I’m glad Tristan liked his shirts,” Timothy said after he’d taken a couple of bites. “I knew he would.”
Shayna thought of the pictures Tristan had sent on Christmas Eve of himself wearing the shirts and smiled. She wasn’t sure which of them had been more excited at finding the T-shirts on sale. Timothy had chosen the ones he thought Tristan would like, and she’d found what she’d hoped would be the correct sizes. From the look of the pictures, they’d both been right.
“When will we see Tristan again?” Timothy asked as he finished his sandwich.
“I’m not sure, sweetie.” Shayna stirred her soup before lifting a spoonful to her lips. “Probably at church on Sunday.”
“But there’s no Sunday School. Tristan told us last week.”
Shayna frowned. “Well, then I guess it might not be until Sunday School has started up again.”
“Didn’t he invite us for a party on New Year’s Eve?” Timothy peered at her over his glass of milk.
He had, but Shayna hadn’t accepted. Given what she’d heard about his family, she wasn’t sure that it would be a place that either of them would feel all that comfortable.
“Will it just be us two here, if we don’t go?” Timothy asked. “Or will Lisa come to spend the night with us like she used to? We could play Life or Monopoly like we did last year. That was fun.”
“Lisa won’t be able to make it,” Shayna said, hating to disappoint him. “She has to be with her mother.”
Timothy’s expression fell as he swirled his spoon in the soup. “Monopoly isn’t very much fun with just the two of us.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie.” Shayna sighed. “We can find another game—a new one—at the store. One that would be good for just the two of us.”
Timothy nodded, but somehow, he didn’t look any more excited at the prospect of a new game than he had at it just being the two of them playing Monopoly as the New Year arrived. “Will we go shopping this week?”
“Yep. You can tell me what foods you want to have, and we’ll get them.” Shayna would buy him whatever he wanted if it meant he would look forward to that evening with just the two of them.
He brightened a little at the news, but not enough for her liking. It seemed like she was disappointing him on several fronts. The only reason he hadn’t realized how badly she’d failed him at Christmas was because of the generosity of Tristan and Lisa. Their presents had bulked up the few she’d managed to scrounge together. It would have been pretty slim pickings, otherwise.
She hoped that, somehow, she could get him excited about the evening. The last thing she wanted was for them to ring in the New Year in such down spirits. Ever since Lorne’s death, each New Year’s Eve had been challenging, but still marginally better than the one before. If she couldn’t manage to change things up, this one wouldn’t follow the trend.
Maybe she should consider Tristan’s invitation.
“We’ll figure something out, Bug. I promise. We’ll have fun welcoming the New Year together.”
Timothy’s smile appeared and disappeared in rapid succession as he looked up at her. He let out a long sigh, as he finished the last of his soup and then carried his dishes to the sink. “Can I finish the video I was watching?”
“Of course. You can watch until bedtime.” Shayna knew she was trying to placate him, but it seemed he deserved a little bit more time to do the things he enjoyed. Between having to go to the babysitter’s and not having much of a New Year’s Eve celebration to look forward to, letting him have a little extra time for the videos he enjoyed seemed a small price to pay.
“I’m going to sit on the couch,” Timothy said.
Shayna watched him leave then turned back to cleaning up the kitchen. Rather than use the dishwasher, she filled the sink with warm soapy water and began to wash the dishes. Usually, she would have Timothy help her, but right then, being alone with her thoughts wasn’t a bad thing.
As she washed the dishes and set them in the strainer, her thoughts skirted around Tristan’s invitation for New Year’s Eve to his invitation for dinner. She still hadn’t given him an answer to that either. Considering she’d already been thinking about the possibility of dating again, she didn’t know why she was hesitating. As a man, Tristan was as good as any that she’d met of late. Not that she’d met all that many men lately.
What harm would it do to say yes? It had been forever since she’d been out for an adults’ only type of evening. Not that she resented the time she spent with Timothy at all, but sometimes being something besides just a mother was a good thing.
But saying yes to Tristan would direct them down a new path. One that she didn’t quite know if she was prepared to take. She knew for certain that she’d never experience a love like she’d shared with Lorne, but that wasn’t a bad thing. She wasn’t certain her heart could handle loving—and, possibly, losing—someone she loved that intensely again.
But a gentler sort of affection, that she could handle. That was something she could offer Tristan if that was what he wanted. Maybe she’d call him in a couple of days to give him her answer. She’d texted with him briefly on Christmas night to thank him for the gifts. Maybe she’d text him again later when Timothy had fallen asleep.
Maybe.
Tristan winced as he settled onto his bed. The hockey game he’d participated in that afternoon had been a physical one. He wondered how old Kenton and Gabe had to be before the aggressive play would stop. Even Benjie was starting to pick up the more aggressive gameplay. Not quite as bad as Gabe, but definitely more than he’d displayed the previous year.
After Gabe’s accident, Tristan had thought perhaps he’d slow down, but over the past few years, he’d worked hard to rebuild the strength in his leg. So while he’d been slower for a few years, it appeared he was back to near full-strength.
Maybe next year, he’d just sit the game out and stay by the fire with the ladies. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d been relegated to hang with the women. Only next year it would be his choice.
Tristan had just managed to get comfortable when his phone chirped to alert an incoming text. Rolling his eyes, he prepared himself for some sort of gloating text from Gabe. They’d been on opposite teams, and Gabe’s team had won. They would no doubt spend the next few days reading texts from the guy about what a great game he’d played.
They all tolerated it because it was just how Gabe had always been. After a couple of days without any of them responding, he’d stop. Usually by New Year’s Eve, they were all back to normal. Well, as normal as they could be.
Glancing down at the screen, he saw that it wasn’t a text from Gabe but from Shayna.
Shayna: Thank you again for the gifts. Timothy was especially thrilled with the science set.
Smiling, Tristan tapped out his response. I figured I had to do something more than just clothes for him. I want him to still like me, after all.
Shayna: Well, no fear of that. He likes you an awful lot, and he could hardly fault you for giving him clothes considering what he picked out for you.
And what a great job he did picking those out. I loved them even tho
ugh I spent all Christmas Eve having to educate my family on the periodic table.
Shayna: I’m embarrassed to say that Timothy had to explain it to me too while we were in the store. I think he was thrilled at the idea of you getting the meaning when lots wouldn’t.
It’s the curse of being smart. We don’t mean to come across as smarter than everyone else, but sometimes we just can’t help it.
Shayna: I’m still not sure where he got his smarts from, but I’m glad he has them. It might make things easier for him in the long run.
Tristan thought back over the years and considered that perhaps Shayna was right. It had been easier to choose a career knowing he wouldn’t struggle with the work required for any of them. It had been easier to get scholarships and grants given his grades and the fact he’d graduated ahead of others his age. Yes, Shayna was likely correct that for all the other struggles Timothy might face in his life, his career would hopefully not be one of them.
My dad couldn’t figure out where I got my smarts either. Neither he nor my mom had above average intelligence. And there’s no doubt my brothers lack smarts. Especially Gabe.
Shayna: Haha I love how you talk about your siblings. You do love them, though, right?
I love my whole family more than anyone else in the world. Even Gabe. I’m just a little bitter at the moment because his team won the hockey game today, and I’m sporting a few more bruises than usual.
Shayna: Do you all play as rough as the NHL players?
Considering one used to play for the NHL, I’d have to say yes. Although, to be honest, Kenton was never the most aggressive of players. Gabe, if he’d been in the NHL, would have been the most aggressive of all. He’s the reason I’m stiff and sore tonight.
Shayna: I hope you start feeling better soon.
No worries. I’m usually back to normal by New Year’s Eve. Speaking of which, will you and Timothy be able to join us?
It took her so long to reply that Tristan was sure it was going to be a refusal, but maybe she’d surprise him again. She’d done it a time or two already.
Shayna: Are you sure it would be appropriate to bring Timothy to a party like that?
It is very much a family-oriented party. My siblings all have their children with them. If you’d like, you could stay overnight as well. A bunch of us do. We have plenty of space.
Again there was a long pause, but Tristan wasn’t as worried this time. She seemed interested, so he patiently waited for her response.
Shayna: Can we bring something?
Shayna: If I decide to come.
Tristan pumped his fist in the air then winced as it pulled the bruise on his side. She may not be saying yes, but she definitely wasn’t saying no. He would take that as a win. Even if she didn’t come this time around, maybe she’d be open to invitations to family events in the future.
There is always lots of food, but you can bring something too. If there’s something special that Timothy would like, you’re welcome to bring that.
Shayna: Okay. I’ll let you know if we can make it.
Sounds good. : )
Tristan wasn’t sure if that was the end of their conversation or not. He was in the midst of tapping out his goodnight message when another message popped up from Shayna. He paused to read it.
Shayna: About your invitation last Sunday…I would like to accept.
Shayna: If the invitation still stands.
Tristan grinned and quickly backspaced over the words he’d typed already.
It definitely still stands! Would Sunday work for you? Sierra and Danica will happily babysit Timothy for the evening.
Shayna: That would be fine. What time should I be ready? And what should I wear?
Tristan blew out a breath as he tried to quickly come up with a plan for the evening. He had sort of figured that she’d say no, so he hadn’t given much thought to a plan for their evening together. Unfortunately, he wanted a bit more time to think things through before he committed to a restaurant.
Can I tell you tomorrow? I want to be sure to pick a great restaurant.
Shayna: Sure.
Shayna: I’d better go. Morning comes early—especially after a couple of days off.
Yes, it does. Thanks for chatting! It was a nice way to end the day.
With the conversation was over, Tristan turned off the lamp on the night table beside his bed. He checked that his alarm was set, then settled in for a few mindless rounds on his favorite puzzle game before calling it a night.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The next day, Tristan found his focus fractured once again. Interspersed between the latest design changes he was making for a corporate client, he was searching the internet for the best restaurant to take Shayna to on their date. He would think he’d found the perfect one, only to search for reviews and discover that it wasn’t quite as good as the restaurant website had made it out to be.
He’d abandon his search while he tried to do more work, only to turn back to Google. He wanted a place where Shayna would be comfortable, so he didn’t want to choose anything too upscale. Frankly, Tristan wouldn’t be comfortable in a place like that either.
A few times throughout the morning, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts to see if any of them might be able to give him guidance. After the makeup and chocolate-covered strawberry fiasco, he wasn’t sure which of his siblings he could trust. Maybe Kenton or Ryan. Definitely not Gabe. Maya probably wouldn’t steer him wrong, but though she wasn’t one to spill secrets, she did tend to have a problem keeping them from her husband.
He’d been on dates before, but for some reason, none had seemed as important as this one with Shayna. It felt absolutely necessary to have this date go perfectly. Maybe it was because of what she’d suffered in her life. The loss she’d endured. The fact that she was willing to even go on a date with him was shocking, really, and he didn’t want her to regret saying yes.
After a couple of hours going back and forth between work and scouring the internet, Tristan finally gave up and lifted his phone once again.
Okay, you two. Where is a good place to go to eat? Like, where do Avery and Hannah like to go to eat?
Kenton: Who are you looking to impress? A girl? A business associate?
Ryan: Pretty sure it’s a girl.
Tristan sighed, hoping he hadn’t made another mistake in turning to his siblings for advice.
No. It’s a woman. Not a girl.
Ryan: Tomayto. Tomahto.
Kenton: You having a salad for supper, Ry?
Ryan: Lettuce hope not. I’m in the mood for steak.
Kenton: Groan… I can’t…
Are you two done? I need some help here!
Ryan: Okay, fine. I’ll put aside my witty repartee to help a needy boy out.
Tristan rolled his eyes. There were times when he wanted to just knock a few sibling heads together.
Kenton: Why don’t you just go to one of the usual places we go to?
I wanted something that was a little out of the norm but not too fancy. A place where we’ll be comfortable spending a few hours. Any ideas?
Ryan: Hannah likes a place called Shelby’s that we found in St. Boniface.
Kenton: I think she must have recommended that place to Avery as well. We’ve been there a few times. We certainly enjoyed it.
Tristan typed the name into the search bar then read through the restaurant’s website before searching for reviews. It seemed that his brothers had come through for him. The reviews were good. The pictures of the interior of the restaurant showed that it was set up in an intimate, yet comfortable-looking way.
Thank you. I think we’ll give that place a try. Is business casual okay?
Kenton: Yeah. That would be fine. Lunch you could get away with jeans and a nice shirt, but dinner, you should probably wear business casual.
Great. Thanks. It sounds perfect.
I appreciate the help.
After ending the conversation with his bro
thers, Tristan opened a text screen with Shayna and typed a message to give her the name of the restaurant.
My brothers said business casual is fine for what to wear, and they said it was a really nice place to eat. I’ll pick you up around five. Is that okay?
He knew she was at work, so Tristan didn’t expect an immediate response. Having settled on a restaurant, he was finally able to focus on the design changes. He plugged his ears with his earbuds, turned on his favorite playlist, and lost himself in his work.
Shayna sat down at the table with the tablet after Timothy had gone to bed. Since it was Friday night, she had let Timothy stay up late with her. They’d popped some popcorn then watched a movie on the tablet together. It was a quiet evening, but a necessary one. It had been a hectic day at work, and then she’d had to contend with Timothy’s less than positive account of his day.
Now she wanted to spend some time looking over the website for the restaurant Tristan had told her they were going to. She hoped that they had a menu online, so she could have an idea of what to order before they got there. It wasn’t that she was unaware of the restaurant since the place she worked was in the same area of the city, but she’d never reviewed their site or menu.
She was a bit curious to see what Tristan thought would be appropriate for their…dinner. It was a struggle to call it a date, which was ridiculous since she’d accepted his invitation knowing full well what his intention was. Still…calling it a date seemed hard for her.
Ironically, she and Lorne hadn’t done much dating until after they’d gotten married and established a regular date night. Before that point, they’d spent huge amounts of time together on the street. Sometimes they had been together all day and night. That usually happened if they’d managed to get enough money to buy some food. They’d bunk down in whatever location they’d managed to deem safe from the elements and from the people who wanted to separate them.
The idea of going out with someone as part of the dating process was completely new for her. The dates she and Lorne had gone on after they’d gotten off the streets and married had been more focused on them having time for the two of them. It was her guarantee that she’d have him to herself for an evening in the midst of the busyness of their jobs and his work on the streets.
Reaching Her Heart: A Christian Romance (Callaghans & McFaddens Book 8) Page 19