The gentleman flushed a little sheepishly once it became clear that Joseph was blocking him from his pursuit of cookies. Delicious, delicious cookies. Just a little snack to have during the week as a reward.
“It is no rush to pick up these fine delicacies, but I appreciate the kind gesture grandly nonetheless.” Came the honest and gentle reply. Damien’s eyes quickly fluttered over the selection before settling on a box that kept catching his eye, which he promptly picked up and placed in the cart.
His attention turned right back to his neighbor, a spark of joy in his eyes at the mention of a get-together. “My son and I would be most delighted and honoured to attend! You may expect our presence for sure.” A swift and confident nod followed. Truly the fathers on the cul-de-sac did not have a lot of time for parties, busy as they were. So to have an outing would be wonderful to catch up with everyone.
These thoughts are interrupted by Joseph, this time speaking of something rather unusual, yet still interesting. Damien shook his head. “I am afraid of my lack of knowledge on the situation, but the rumours of a new neighbor has been circulating for a few weeks, have they not? If they are now here, I hope to make their acquaintance very soon.”
To watch Damien’s bashful reaction amused Joseph, but he didn’t let it show in anything else but a smile. And, figuring it couldn’t hurt, he picked up a box of the VERY SAME cookies Damien had just taken into his own cart.
❝ You’re welcome. They’re looking pretty good, so I really don’t blame you for wanting to have them. ❞
It was just idle small talk, in the end, but Joseph didn’t MIND. He and Damien had never had the chance to grow particularly close despite finding the other man sympathetic, and their kids weren’t the same age, so besides them being neighbors, there weren’t to many connecting points between them.
But it made Joseph happy to see Damien’s HONEST DELIGHT as he accepted the invitation, and he told him so, making sure to let him know that he was looking forward to having them. Lucien always seemed to SULK about being made to attend the barbecues, but he was probably just the right age for it, so Joseph wasn’t offended at all by it. Mildly he wondered what his own kids would be like once they reached puberty but put the thought off. There was still a bit of time before that happened.
❝ They sure have, ❞ Joseph agreed as they pushed their carts on down the isle. ❝ Another single dad, from what I’ve heard. So he should fit right in. ❞ He said it with a wry little smile and, not for the first time, wondered what it was about their cul-de-sac. Maybe something in the water.