858. a genuine smile

 

Alfie was still in shock that his mother was so close by. And then to be asked to an impromptu dinner.

Oh, he didn't want to. Did they not know how much work it was getting ready with a newborn?

"We can do it," Zoey, a new mother,  might have been tired of his salads and sandwiches now. He was doing his best to manage all the cooking lately with a little help from Boone, so Alfie's wife Zoey didn't need to worry.

Alfie guessed it was now or never. Summer was here, and there would be lots of opportunities for the three of them to be out and about. Yet, he worried. Why was being a father such a worry?

Naturally, he doubted his dad ever felt that way. But then again, maybe he was just overwhelmed. Definitely, not a topic to get into with his mother because she was still not talking to him. Although his dad hadn't made an effort to talk to her either.

So like a new coach ready to lead his team, he got all the equipment together in twenty minutes and even remembered to change into jeans and a shirt. Otherwise, he was slumming at home with a baby, usually on his stomach.

"You look so refreshed," Boone teased when they got to the family diner where you could still have brunch in the p.m., and a full salad bar.

Alfie didn't say much but handed the baby off in his carrier and got situated with the seating arrangement. As luck would have it, it was a full table. Even Naoki had a date.

Boone introduced him. He said Tyra just started at the bakery.

"Oh, really?" He blankly looked at the pair who did seem rather chummy. Of course, his mother, Tammy, ignored them.

There was friendly conversation about the warm weather and the start of the farmer's market. Zoey lingered with Maddie while Boone, Naoki, and Tyra went to the salad bar.

"Mom," Alfie said quietly. "You better be nice."

"Nice?" She was cross with his question. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, if you want to keep Naoki closer, you better be nice to who he's seeing."

"He's never had a girlfriend."

She gave him a sour look. Alfie had his doubts about that, but he wouldn't let on. "There's a first time for everything. And if you are this indifferent, it won't help the situation."

"Look, I just bought a house. Can't I just focus on the house?"

Alfie shrugged. Lucas woke up from the carrier, and Tammy got to hold Lucas first.