The phone was ringing as he let himself into his small house, and he went to the kitchen to answer it. “Weber.”
“Tom, it’s…”
“Jack! Hi, buddy. I was just thinking about making you dinner.”
“That’s what I’m calling about. I won’t be able to make it. I hope it won’t inconvenience you.”
“Asshole. What’s up?”
“Reba’s going on a retreat, so I’ve got Tad and Becca.”
“You…uh…you want to…uh…bring them over?” he finished in a rush.
Jack laughed. “They’re kids, Tom, not a wolf pack. They don’t bite.”
“I know that.”
“Sure you do, buddy. Thanks for inviting them, but not this time. Becca’s feeling a little under the weather.”
“Okay, Jack.” Tom told himself he wasn’t relieved Jack wouldn’t be bringing his kids over just yet. He knew eventually they’d have to be told he and their father were a couple, but he wanted to put it off as long as he could. “I hope Rebecca feels better soon.”
“Thanks. Listen, Tom. I know we had plans to go out after dinner tonight…”