Living the Future

Chapter 51 - The Dinner Part 2

We sat around the table as Uncle Dec served some somewhat pinkish meatloaf. I looked at it wondering how it was that they got the outside so crispy and the inside still pink. I looked up and smiled trying to hide the agony that I was going to have to eat this.

“Potatoes Josh?” Aunt Maddie handed them to me with a smile.

“Thank you.” I said and took a scoop. I placed them on my plate and looked at them for a moment. I was going to eat a science experiment. That’s what this was. I reached over and grabbed Daisy’s hand. She squeezed my hand and I waited until I saw everyone start eating. I started eating or choking it down was more like it. After I had finished most of it. I pushed the plate away and smiled. Liam had finished also and stared at me.

“What are we doing tomorrow anyways?” He asked me.

“I think Henry is planning it.” I said.

“Do you guys have to? Do you have to do a guys night?” Daisy started to whine.

“My dad really wants us to. He wants us to be close.” I said.

“I hope for that as well. I want you kids to be close. You’re going to be in close working conditions for most your life.” Uncle Dec said.

“I understand, and I will try.” I said and I looked at Daisy. “But I can’t guarantee I won’t act a certain way if he tries the stunt he did today again.” I said causally. Aunt Madison stopped eating and looked around the table.

“What stunt?” She asked.

“Josh and Henry got into a argument.” Liam said.

“Another one?” She asked and looked at Daisy who was staring at her plate.

“Yes another argument. They have yet again made up and are planning a boys night to get to know each other.” Uncle Dec said.

“Somehow I have been roped into it.” Liam said tossing a piece of his roll at me.

“Hey! Barion is the one that said you would go. Not me.” I said.

“Yes, but the whole thing could’ve been avoided if you didn’t cause the problem in the first place.” Liam said and I sighed.

“Ok, that’s enough. This is a family dinner. Let’s act like it.” Uncle Dec said.

“Actually this feels much calmer and more family like then our normal dinners.” Liam said and Daisy snickered.

“That’s not funny!” Aunt Madison said trying to get Riley to take a bite of mashed potatoes.

“Do you need help cleaning up?” I asked starting to stand.

“Really?” Aunt Madison said watching me as Riley leaned over and spit mashed potatoes onto the tray.

“Yes.” I said picking up plates and walking them to the kitchen.

“I hate how much I like you Josh.” Aunt Madison said and I laughed.

“Thank you I guess.” I said and Daisy got up and started to help me clear the table. After we got everything cleared and put away. Aunt Madison ushered us to the living room. Liam laid across the couch while uncle Dec lounged in his recliner.

“Please don’t tell me this is the part where we fake we’re a happy family and play charades to impress Daisy’s boyfriend.” Liam said while he covered his eyes with his arm.

“We are a happy family!” Aunt Madison shot back.

“I should go actually.” I looked at my watch and saw that it was eight thirty.

“No! Stay a little longer.” Daisy said.

“Well, walk me home.” I smiled and she pulled my hand as we walked to the door.

“Bye Jossshhh!” Liam called with a snicker.

“Be back by NINE!” Uncle Dec yelled to us as we walked out the door. I grabbed the door and closed it. We got to the end of the drive way before I couldn’t take it anymore. I pulled her to me and she smiled. I kissed her lips and looked at her.

“Don’t think I’m not still upset about the boys night and then you leaving again! Again!” She sighed and leaned her head back. I took the opportunity to lean down and kiss her neck. She pushed me.

“What?” I said laughing and she pulled me away.

“I can’t believe you’re not going to be here until like mid day on my birthday.” She said as we made it to the front of the pack house.

“Do you want your gift early?” I asked and she turns to me with a suspicious look.

“If you point at your private parts, I’m going to be very upset.” Daisy said and I had no idea where that even came from. I burst out laughing and had to clutch the wall before I fell.

“When have I ever done that?!” I said almost crying from laughing.

“I just know it’s something men do.” She said crossing her arms.

“It’s not that, it’s a real gift.” I said catching my breath.

“No! I want it on my birthday.” She said and I nodded.

“Ok, I’ll bring it to your party.” I said and she walked up to me putting her arms around me. I placed my hands on her face and kissed her lips. I wrapped my arms around her as our kiss became deeper and more passionate. I was lost in this world where our tongues danced when I heard a sound.

“Gross Josh.” I heard Liam and our faces broke away from each other. “I’ve been sent to collect you.” Liam said looking to Daisy.

“Ugh! Fine.” Daisy unraveled her arms from me.

“I’m going to tell mom and dad how you both have emotional scarred me.” Liam said pulling his phone out.

“I don’t want another lecture! Come on!” Daisy walked past him with her arms crossed.

“That’s twice today!” Liam said as he followed her. I watched them get further away and then went inside. I turned and walked in, I walked to the kitchen to get actual food to eat. I started rummaging the fridge for anything I could make quickly.

“Found you!” I heard and jumped. I turned and Izzy laughed. “I figured I would find you here after a dinner with the Shore’s.” Izzy said and I went back to rummaging.

“I need food… real food.” I said.

“So I heard you’re going on a get to know you boys night with the guys.” Izzy said leaning over the counter as I got the stuff out to make a sandwich.

“So?” I said.

“So you’re going to be nice right? Going to be nice to my brother? Are you going to include him?” She said in a serious tone.

“We are supposed to be making friendly, so I plan to try.” I said slapping the bread on and taking a bite. “Finally. Food.” I said with a sigh and Izzy laughed.

“Henry has always been easy to make friends with his fake side. His overly friendly side. I’m sure it will take time, just like how it will take time for you to open up to anyone but Daisy.” Izzy said.

“I just don’t trust people. It’s easier to close off that side. I still have problems trying to be more open to Daisy. Just today she said she loved me and I dropped her on the floor and tried to run.” I took another bite of my sandwich and Izzy’s eyes got wide.

“She what!?” Izzy said.

“You know, you’re easy to talk to.” I said and started walking out of the kitchen. Izzy followed me as I walked out into the hall.

“Context! I need context!” Izzy said with her hands up by her face.

“What kind of context? I basically told you everything in a nut shell.” I said taking another bite.

“Where did this take place? How did she get on the floor? What was the conversation leading up to her saying that.” Izzy said looking at me.

“Some of that is pretty private, don’t you think?” I asked her as I took a finishing bite.

“Josh at least tell me what you were talking about when it got to that point. Or did you at least say it back!?” Izzy said grabbing my arm.

“There’s the lady killer!” Barion said coming down the steps.

“I was just heading to bed. I had to eat first. Have you had aunt Maddie’s cooking? Absolutely the worst.” I said and Barion laughed.

“Yeah. I got a text from Liam about the boys night AND how you have scarred him for life.” Barion chuckled.

“It’s not my fault he has bad timing.” I smiled and started up the stairs.

“Josh we were in the middle of a conversation.” Izzy yelled up the steps.

“Really? I think that conversation is done.” I said as I got to the top of the steps.