I place my plate of quiche, fruit salad, and fresh-baked scones on the patio table next to Chloe. I spent the night at Chloe’s house last night, and the Prestons invited the Callahan clan over for brunch before the pool party. Before I sit down, Nancy Callahan, Josh’s mom, takes the seat next to me. “I hope my son was a gentleman last night?”
“Yes, a perfect gentleman.”
“Oh, good, because boys are like puppies. You train ‘em the best you can, but you never know how they’ll behave in public.”
I cannot help but laugh. “I have two brothers, so I couldn’t agree more.”
“They both attend Vanderbilt, right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She smiles at my reply since she’s from the old South. “And Joshua tells me that you will be going there next fall.”
“Probably.”
“Well, it’s very considerate of the three of you—to stay close together for your mom’s sake.” Nancy Callahan looks up at Rob’s mom. “Oh, I’m sorry, Tracy. You know I didn’t mean anything by that.”
“I know, and really, it’s all my fault,” Tracy Callahan begins. “I went to Georgetown, and because I got pregnant, I never finished. Rob wants to go there and finish what I started, I guess.”
“Well, it’s an excellent school, so it’s not a bad thing that he’ll be going there for college,” Mrs. Preston adds.
“And you, I presume,” Aunt Nancy eyes Chloe, “will be going there next fall?”
Mrs. Preston raises a hand. “Can we talk about something else besides our children going off to college?”
“I agree,” Tracy Callahan adds with sad smile, and Mrs. Preston touches her hand gently.
“Sure,” Nancy begins and eyes Chloe’s hand. “When’s that ring moving to the other hand?” The position of the Claddagh ring offers different meanings, and if it is worn on the left hand, it signifies an engagement or marriage. Right now Chloe’s ring remains safely on the right, but I know it won’t stay there for very long.
“That is not the subject I was hoping for,” Mrs. Preston injects.
Chloe starts with a suppressed smile. “Maybe Aunt Nancy should be banned from starting any more conversations.”
Nancy Callahan’s jaw drops and her hand hits her chest. “I am so insulted.”