Train Wreck

forty five

He smiled and shrugged, "I mean, we already have a propane grill here that belongs to this rental house but I like the idea of sticking with propane for the smoker. Then we can change course when we buy our house down the road if we want."

Lissy gave him a satisfied smile, eyes sparkling as she slid her legs down so her feet settled on the bar in the middle of her stool. Daisy came to the table with the flan and plates as Alice clicked "Add to Cart", attention now on the new dessert in front of us. "Ohhhh I need to have just a little bit of that flan, Daisy... not a lot, cause wow..." Alice patted her stomach with an eyebrow raised while she let out a dry laugh, "I ate too much tonight, but I need this flan."

Daisy laughed and had the same expression, chuckling as she gave herself and Lissy each one heaping spoonful of the dessert. "Part of me feels like I am gonna be sick, but I just kinda have to try it at least."

I pulled Lissy's chair back as she was accepting the dish which made her yelp. She tilted her head back and looked at me with a grin, "Can I help you, sir?"

"You and me are gonna take little Miss Peach outside and enjoy this on the deck. Deal?"

I watched her squint and pretend to debate before letting out a dramatic sigh. "I need a refill first."

Benji and Daisy grabbed their Nintendo Switches, moving to the living room where Dad was relaxing. He and I already decided on the exact smoker Lissy chose so I knew she'd appreciate that info when we stepped outside and had time to talk.

Peach was napping on the couch next to Doc, whose arms hugged a throw pillow thanks to the extra margaritas she indulged in throughout our meal. Doc had a long weekend already planned and was excited to surprise Daisy with a sleep in day. Fridays tended to be quieter at the hospital for her and with the extra hours she had to put in I could tell the time off was much needed.

Jesse was napping on one of the lounge chairs in the yard, part passed out from tequila and partially due to his also insane schedule at the hospital, when we made our way back outside.  I had assumed he made his way home when Kenny and Leah left about a half hour before but considering his yard is adjacent this is also no surprise.

"I thought he was going home for a few then coming back with his Switch to play Mario Kart with us?" Lissy said while laughing quietly. She set down the dessert and her glass of water at the table and looked over at me with a soft smile, "Poor guy just needs a break. Same as Doc."

"I'm so glad she has a long weekend now." I remarked, sitting down next to Lissy and letting out a long sigh.

Jesse must have sensed our presence and started to shift, especially when the wind picked up. He looked around confused, "Wait, where is everyone?"

We broke into laughter as Lissy patiently answered, "Most of them went home, bud. You want some water?"

He managed a nod so she took him the fresh glass she had just brought outside for herself. As soon as she stood with her cup I knew what her plan was and jumped into action, heading into the house to get another glass so Lissy would have something to drink. 

My new instinct was to pay attention. 

When she gives, give back quickly and quietly.

When I returned with the fresh drink and another for myself she grinned, "Thanks, Remi." I saw her cheeks flush pale pink while Jesse joined us at the table.

"Yoooo, is that flan?"

"Yep. Caramel flan made by Daisy earlier." I took my first bite and had to drop my spoon, grabbing the table. "Oh my god..."