How Cassie Got Her Grind Back(Divine Creek Ranch 23)(82)

“Samson, would you like another roll?” Tamara bravely said as she held out the cloth-covered basket to his brother.

“Thanks,” Samson said with a grin as he lifted the cover and took one before she smiled at Ivan in turn and offered him the basket.

“Thanks, Tamara.”

“You’re welcome,” Tamara said, maintaining eye contact with him before glancing at his brother and then back at him. Ivan could practically hear the gears turning in her head, and when he maintained eye contact and smiled back, she chose her target. “So, are you a ménage like Lucy Owen has with Patrick Owen and Beck O’Malley, and Patrick’s sister, Maizy Welsh, has with the bears?”

Cassie choked and nearly spewed her tea through her nose before she started laughing and blotted herself with her napkin. Laughter filled the room, with even her mother joining in, and Cassie finally lifted a hand to Tamara and said, “Gentlemen, my daughter, the conversation starter and life of every party.” She giggled some more, and Ivan was relieved no embarrassment showed on her lovely face, so he turned to Tamara.

“I haven’t met everyone you mentioned yet, but your mom did introduce me to Lucy and Maizy at Violet’s wedding.” He glanced at Cassie to make sure as he spoke, and when she nodded, he continued. “And yes, in answer to your question, Tamara. I hope that’s not a problem for you or your brother.”

Tamara’s eyes danced with merriment as she shook her head. “Nope, although I don’t envy you when Grandpa finds out.” She covered her giggle with her fingertips. “Does Dad know?”

Cassie shrugged. “I haven’t talked to him. Rumors might’ve reached his ears, I suppose. I didn’t pay attention to his love life after we split, or have an opinion one way or another, so I’d expect he either doesn’t know or isn’t saying anything.”

Delicia arched an eyebrow. “Your ex-husband resisting the urge to butt in with his opinion? I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Cassie hid her smile and scanned everyone’s plates. “How is the turkey?”

They all made yummy noises as they continued eating, and Cassie preened like a peacock over her perfectly cooked bird. Ivan was impressed as well.

“So, does this mean you’re moving in together?” Tamara asked, endeavoring to look innocent as Samson choked that time.

When he’d recovered, Samson replied, “We’re not interested in living together with your mom, Tamara. We think very highly of her.”

Undeterred by his mildly censorious tone, Tamara got big eyes and looked at her brother and then her mother before saying, “Well, all-righty then.”

Cassie chuckled but didn’t seem surprised and said, “I think Lucy rubbed off on you a little while you were working with her, Tam.”

Tamara nodded but then said, “Maybe a little but I think I get it from you as much as from anyone else. I’m cool with all the ménages in Divine.”

“In what sense?” Delicia asked, also seeming unperturbed by the direction the conversation had taken.

“Economically. Makes sense to have more adults contributing to the well-being of the family.”

Ivan had to agree with her.

Joseph got up from the table with his empty plate and took it to the sink as he said, “Mom, if you have time later, I’d like to talk with you about what we’d discussed. Remember?”

“Of course, honey.” Cassie made eye contact with Ivan and winked.

“Me, too, Mom,” Tamara said. “I know I’ve still got a few more semesters to go, but Joe and I have been talking and…”

“Tam, don’t feel obligated to come back just because you think I need help.”

“Nuh-uh, Mom, it’s not like that. I miss Divine. I miss the people and the whole small-town vibe. I thought once I got to a bigger city that would be it. San Marcos is fantastic, and I’ve made some great friends there, but I’m ready to be back here. I think this is where I’m meant to be.” Tamara’s love for her hometown was palpable as she spoke.

Ivan glanced over and noticed Joseph at the sink smiling and nodding as he rinsed other dishes and poured soap in the sink. Ivan was impressed that he didn’t hesitate to help out with the cleanup.

“And, no, Mom, we’re not moving home. We’ll find work to make ends meet until we can agree on a plan and set it in motion. We won’t be a burden to you that way.”

Ivan sat back and listened with Samson and the others while the two young adults began clearing the table. Tamara said, “Mami…Joe and I were talking, and we think it would be fine if you want to sell the house.”