Free Her Unlikely Family by Missy Tippens Page B

whole way.
    Lisa hopped out and slammed the door. After a second of hesitation, she opened the door again. “Thank you.” It was grudging, but at least she’d said it.
    He watched his niece climb the front steps, take out her key and go inside. “So, what’s our plan for today?” he finally asked.
    â€œSince you’re letting Lisa go out with Brian, I assumed we’d go our separate ways.”
    â€œWhat about showing me the town—loosening me up?”
    Was the guy kidding? “That was for your and Lisa’s benefit, not yours and mine.”
    â€œTrue. I suppose you’d like an afternoon off without us to worry about.”
    Was it her imagination or was he trying to send her on a guilt trip?
    If so, it was working. He looked kind of lonely sitting there staring at the house.
    â€œI guess we could get some lunch,” she said, feeling sorry for him. “Why don’t you go change and come back to get me?”
    One side of his mouth quirked up in that way that made her stomach do somersaults. “Taking pity on me? You’re not as tough as you’d like me to think.”
    At the moment, she was about as tough as an under-cooked French fry. Just looking at him made her joints go to mush. “I’m tough when the situation calls for it. You’re new to town and don’t know all the good places to eat.”
    He nodded and pulled a face that said he didn’t believe a word she’d said. “I see. So you’re moonlighting at the chamber of commerce?”
    â€œThat’s right.” She would try to convince him even if she knew better.
    â€œThanks for offering, Miss Welcoming Committee. I’ll go take this suit off. I should be back in time to meet this Brian fellow.”
    She climbed out and then tried not to look at him as he waved and drove away in all that leather and luxury.
    As Josie stood wondering why she was drawn to the man, Brian drove up, ten minutes early, and honked the horn for Lisa.
    She marched over to the truck. “Don’t ever drive up and honk, mister. You come to the door, or you don’t take her out.”
    He swallowed, and his overgrown Adam’s apple bobbed up, then back down. “Yes, ma’am.”
    Before he could get out, the front door opened and Lisa barreled out. “Hey, Brian. Let’s go.”
    â€œYour uncle wants to meet Brian,” Josie said. “Why don’t you two stick around a few minutes?”
    Lisa peeked at Brian and must have noticed his horrified expression at the mention of the word uncle . She opened the passenger door and heaved herself into the truck. “We need to get going. Can’t do it right now.”
    Brian appeared torn between fear and obedience.
    Josie decided not to push them at the moment. “Go on, then.” But she would make sure Mike and Brian met. Mike needed to see he was an okay kid, and Brian needed to see that Mike wasn’t an ogre.
    Â 
    Josie guided Mike toward town and the many restaurants they had to choose from. She didn’t suppose he would appreciate her choosing the diner.
    â€œI still can’t believe Lisa was so stubborn about not wanting the four of us to do something together today,” he said.
    â€œIt’s a date. Remember those?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œHow often did you want your parents along?”
    â€œBut she’s only sixteen. What could she possibly want to do that she doesn’t want me there?”
    â€œCome on, Mike, she’s not up to anything immoral or illegal. She just wants to have some fun with a boy.”
    He drove without further complaint, silenced by her censure. As they passed Josie’s favorite miniature golf place, she spotted Brian’s shiny red truck with his family’s bread company logo.
    Some lunch. They must’ve gone by a drive-through window and eaten in the truck.
    â€œMike, how badly do you want to prove you’re a fun