Page 66 of Tangled Emotions
“I see.” She smiled. “What you really want to know is what would be best for your mom?”
He nodded. “Please?”
“Depends. Your mom is usually off on Saturday nights.” She refilled our cups. “But if you need me to cover a Friday I will.”
“You’re the best.” He smiled. “Don’t ever let mom tell you you’re not.”
She frowned. “Pfft. I’m the best baby sister.”
Big E snorted with laughter.
Matthew shook his head. “Thanks for your help, Doc.”
“Anytime, kiddo.”
“I better get home before mom wonders where I am.” He hopped down and spun to face his aunt and uncle. “Remember. You didn’t see me.”
They gave him a thumb’s up, and she bounced towards the door. “See ya at school tomorrow!”
Once the door closed, Evelyn busted out laughing so hard she fell to her knees.
The door swung open, and the rest of Edie’s family came out laughing as well.
“You guys don’t give him enough credit.”
“What do you mean?” Big E asked, trying to contain the laughs.
“Kid told me he’s heard talk that she needs to date but doesn’t because of him.”
Their mom shook her head. “You’re right, Francis, we didn’t consider how much he understood.”
“What I wanna know,” her dad got himself a cup of coffee. “Is who my grandson has in mind.”
“I can’t believe that he wants to set Edie up with someone.” Evie wiped tears from her cheeks. “Edie will never go for that.”
Gene got a drink and sat down on the other side of me. “Guys, I’d lay money down that the man he has in mind is Frank.”
“He talks about youallthe time.” Big E nodded. “Doc is the best teacher ever. I want a dad just like Doc. Doc understands kids. Doc this, Doc that.”
Miss Irene’s face softened. “My Edith has no clue you are Doc.”
“In all fairness, Ma, none of us did.” Big E walked back through the door and took his place in the window. “Frank, why do they call you Doc?”
“Last name’s Holliday.” I looked around at her family. “Gene, I heard you take Matt to games to pick up women?”
“Are you still doing that, Eugene?” Irene crossed her arms over her chest. “You know Edie hates that.”
I finished my coffee and stood up. “I’m going to clean up and get out of these sweaty clothes.”
“You coming back?” Evie yelled after me.
“Is Edith working dinner?”
“Of course.”
“There’s your answer.” I gave her a wink and left the diner.
Edith