Chapter Twelve
It had been a good Sunday for Frank Reagan; he had a spring in his step. Most days he felt like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, but not today. After mass, he had lunch and then went to Jack's soccer game. It was a beautiful day, although still hot. He was thankful to be sitting down with his family for dinner. There was a lot of laughter around the table tonight.
"Jamie, I heard the big test is tomorrow," Danny said as he scooped green beans on to his plate. Jamie looked a little surprised - he didn't know that anyone in his family knew of his plans. He decided to go along with it; Danny has his way of finding out information, how or where he got it was of little consequence.
"Yeah," he said with a sigh, "9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning."
"Last minute cramming session tonight with your study buddy," Danny jabbed with amusement. Okay, now how did he know that?! Jamie was frozen in embarrassment.
"Danny," Frank cautioned. Sunday dinner should be free of innuendo.
"Now how did you know that?" Jamie was more curious than anything. Those were some sharp detective skills, and perhaps Jamie could learn a thing or two.
"I didn't," Danny said and he shoved a few beans in his mouth and grinned a Cheshire grin. Danny had a hunch and played it. Instead of denying it, Jamie confirmed it for him. He was no smarter than the goons Danny tricks in the interrogation room. Frank, Grandpa, and Erin had a little chuckle around the table. Linda rolled her eyes at Danny's little trick.
"So, do you think once you are no longer partners, you might ask this young lady out on a date?" Henry asked. He liked to stir the pot – at his age, he could get away with a lot. Jamie avoided looking directly at his grandfather and just shook his head to dismiss the whole line of questioning right there.
"You're not getting any younger," Frank broke in. All eyes darted to Frank.
"Dad!" Jamie replied. All eyes darted back to Jamie.
"And neither am I," Frank continued. "I'd like to see more grandchildren before I go."
Erin and Linda raised their eyebrows in surprise. Wow, Frank never got so involved in his son's dating life. Jamie was too stunned for words.
"Okay, everyone can just calm down, I can handle my own life, thank you," Jamie tried convincingly to tell them.
Everyone looked around the room at each other, doubt in their eyes.
