Robert snubbed out his cigarette on the mini plate and accepted the beer. He’d gone dry most of the evening, so the paltry alcohol was actually a decent prospect.
They of course were surrounded by the rest of the neighbors–at a distance, but they were still there. As much of an asshole as Robert was, he still had no interest in causing that sort of drama. At least not now.
He flashed a dark smile. “Can’t miss out on the best burgers in town,” he said. “I do crawl out of my cave from time to time.”
He simply stood and watched Joseph putting things together, all nice and organized.
“Once Crish can walk, you’re gonna have hell around that house.” Was he actually trying for a conversation? Well that was a dumb idea. But maybe it was a token of gratitude for the beer. He took a generous swig of it.
Can’t miss out on the best burgers in town, right. Joseph had to admit his barbecue was one of the best in Maple Bay, and it was possible that Robert was telling the truth. However, telling the truth didn’t mean praising. Robert was there, telling him that, because of appearances, which was okay. Joseph couldn’t be naive.
Robert was weirdly talkative, though. Joseph couldn’t help it but ask himself why. “Yeah, but seeing our kids growing up is a blessing, actually.” He replied Robert with a discreet smile, trying not to think too much about Robert and why he was acting like that.
He handed the man a burger, staring at him. Should he try to talk to Robert? “Are you doing okay?” Maybe he would regret that, but hell. He wanted to talk to Robert. It wasn’t always that both of them had a conversation.