Page 21 of With This Ring
The server had already taken their orders and their menus, and now a buzz of conversations hovered around them, along with the delectable aroma of steak.
Libby chose a roll from the basket in the center of the round table. “What exactly do you do?”
“I began working as a computer programmer, then later on I started my own company.” He briefly explained the software he and Darren had written and how they had recently sold the business.
Patrick, Shane’s father, nodded. “Impressive.”
“How about you two?” Hudson asked.
“I work in sales,” Patrick said. “And Libby teaches kindergarten at Flowering Grove Elementary.”
Hudson glanced over at Layla and Shane, who were engrossed in a quiet conversation. He’d spent the ride to the restaurant contemplating the comment Shane had made at the country club about how he thought they should get married in Aunt Trudy’s backyard. It annoyed him that Shane wouldn’t want his sister to have the wedding and reception of her dreams, and Hudson’s jaw tightened at the thought of her settling. He had worked hard to provide a better life for his aunt and sister, and he believed Layla deserved better than Shane. He didn’t want her to struggle, even for a moment, and if she married a landscaper who couldn’t afford a decent wedding reception, then she’d surely spend the rest of her life living paycheck to paycheck, just like their parents had.
“It’s a wonder that we have both lived in Flowering Grove for so long but haven’t gotten to know each other,” Libby said. “Where did you work, Trudy?”
“I was a receptionist at the Carolina Pediatric Group. But that was years ago.”
“Oh,” Libby said. “We know where that is. Right, Melody?”
Her daughter smiled. “I see Dr. Santucci. She’s the best.”
“I don’t know her. She must be a newer physician.” Aunt Trudy unrolled her silverware and laid the cloth napkin across her lap.
“Melody feels very comfortable with her, which is so important,” Libby said.
Aunt Trudy nodded.
The server appeared with their meals, and after each plate was distributed, the sound of utensils scraping dishes filled the air.
“So, Shane,” Hudson began, “have you considered starting your own business?”
Shane swallowed. “I like the company I work for. The other guys on the crew are like family.” He hesitated, then added, “And we work well together.”
Hudson found his response strange. How could Shane ever reach his full potential if he continued to work for someone else? He picked up his steak knife and cut into his filet mignon. “Layla, have you and Shane talked about the future?”
His sister looked up from her shrimp and grits. “What do you mean?”
“Have you discussed a budget for rent or a mortgage? Or where you’re going to live?”
Shane stiffened, and a hush fell over the table. He swept his hand over his mouth. “We haven’t found a place yet, but we’ll be fine.”
“What kind of houses are you looking at? What price point?”
Shane and Layla shared a look, and her brow puckered. “We’re planning to live with Aunt Trudy at first. Then we’ll figure the rest out when the time comes,” Layla said, her words measured.
“When the time comes?”
“Yes, when the time comes,” she repeated. “Right now we’re focused on having a wedding and saving money for our own place.” Her expression warmed as she turned toward their aunt. “She said we can stay with her for as long as we’d like, right?”
Aunt Trudy smiled. “Of course, sweetheart.”
Hudson set down his fork and knife. “Layla, you can’t hide in our aunt’s house forever. You need to face reality, and you’d better do itnow. Life is expensive.”
“I know that, Hud,” she said, then set her jaw.
“Do you really?” he challenged. “Buying a house is a big deal.”
Her nostrils flared.