Dinner With the Patts

The day started off on a good note. I woke up to a sweet text from Jeff that said, “I love you my beautiful rose,” and he sent a flood of rose emojis after it. I swooned over the thought that someone actually loved me back. It was such a crazy feeling, considering I had no boyfriend last summer. He had been coming to my softball games at school and being super supportive. It was quite amazing.

I picked out a plain blue shirt and some nice black pants for dinner tonight. Actually having Mrs. Kyren over would be so nice. She hadn’t come over since I saw her in our living room a few months ago, and I really just missed her. The twins were with their dad, so it would be just her and Keegan. The twins were coming on the spring break trip though, so I would catch up with them then!

I helped my mom get the table set while she made a roasted chicken, glazed with rosemary butter sauce. The house smelled like Thanksgiving. I had such a warm and nostalgic feeling from when we would be at my grandparent’s house and Papa Jim would teach me all about football while my mom and grandma cooked for hours. It was always so much fun. I set out my mom and dad’s anniversary china. My mom said it was just regular dishware now. Whatever that means. I turned to take the serving plates to the table and almost ran right into Baylen. He grabbed the trays from me, set them down quickly and pulled me into the living room by my elbow.

“Let me go Bay!” I screeched. “What on earth are you doing?”

“Listen Brees, I know you and Keegan have something going on, but can you two just not do this right now? Mom and Kyren are already dealing with a lot and if they knew you two were doing whatever it is that you are, it would add to their stress,” he said.

I snatched my arm away from him.

“First of all Bay, I am with Jeff. He told me he loved me the other night and I feel the same about him. There is nothing going on with Keegan. Not because of you either, so get over yourself,” I snarled.

I was proud of myself for standing up to Bay. We aren’t that far apart in age, yet he insists on acting like my dad. It was ridiculous.

“I just saw him kiss your hand the other day, so I assumed. My bad Squirt,” he said apologetically.

I shrugged. “Keegan wants what he can’t have. He has no real interest in me. He only wants to have me beeline after him so he can continue ignoring me and making me feel like an idiot,” I said.

He grabbed my shoulders. “I don’t think that’s true at all Brees. I just don’t think the two of you should date, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t truly like you Squirt,” he said bumping my chin softly with his fist.

He gave me a big hug and then ran off to bother my mom in the kitchen. I could hear her yelling at him to unhand a garlic roll.

Five o’clock rolled around and I could hear car doors slamming. The Patts were here. Baylen met them at the door and he and Keegan headed off to his room briefly. Mom told them to be back down in a half hour for dinner. They both agreed and ran off laughing and punching one another. I helped Ms. Kyren hang her coat. She looked beautiful in her purple dress with simple black heels. I didn’t realize we were dressing so fancy. Kyren also looked nervous. I knew we would need to support her when she told Keegan. I was glad Baylen was there to support Kee as well.

As we sat down to dinner, I sat across from Mrs. Kyren and next to Baylen. My mom sat at the head of the table and between Kyren and Keegan. We had great discussions about school, football, softball and the twins. It was so much fun all being in one room together. As we started dessert, Kyren asked to make a speech. She stood at the table and grabbed Keegan’s hand.

“I am so thankful to have you all here with us. I am even more thankful to have the support of the Hamlins as I share something incredibly important with my son,” she said looking down at Keegan.

Keegan’s face was confused but he maintained a warm smile. You could see his affection and adoration for his mother. He just beamed when he looked at her.

“What’s up mom?” he inquired, pushing his chair back slightly to get a better view of her face.

“Well sweetie, you have asked me several times if I was seeing someone and I have told you no repeatedly. The truth is, I have been seeing someone and we have decided to make it official and be a couple again,” she stated.

“Wait, I thought dad was with this new chick and he was being a complete asshole mom. What is going on?” he said, so confused looking around to see what we all knew.

Baylen put his hand on Keegan’s back, to help reassure him.

“No Kee. Your dad and I have not rekindled anything and he is the last person I would ever bring back into my life. Kee…I am trying to tell you that when I was younger, I had already met the love of my life. I was forced by grandma and pappy to leave this person behind, and now that I am older I am choosing to be with her,” Mrs. Kyren said.