Here comes the sun

 

Of course, Kyle was giving Roman the silent treatment, even if he text and told Roman everything was fine. Kyle didn't talk to him at work other than about orders or the supply list. It was really getting the best of Roman. After all, life at home was hell with Bren.

She was a miserable sort and he couldn't think it would get much better after the baby arrived. If that wasn't enough, LaLa turned up. She was Bren's cousin from Kansas City. Sassy and pretty, she made Roman all the more nervous. As it was, he'd moved to the couch. There were just too many women in that apartment. He hoped Bren's baby was a boy like she said it was. 

"If you're fine with everything, then..then..you should come over for dinner tonight," Roman decided. It was warmer weather and he could make ribs even in an oven.

"Dinner?" Naturally, Kyle looked at him as if he didn't like the sound of that.

"Oh come on, you won't be alone with me," Roman told him. "You can meet LaLa."

"LaLa?" Kyle looked at him as if he didn't know what he was talking about.

"My roommate's cousin," Roman explained she was here for the birth of Bren's baby. "I reckon it'll be a while before she leaves." If only he had a plan to getaway. He'd be waiting on both of them for the next few months. Neither did housework and they expected him to do everything. He wanted to tell Kyle how sad his life was, but he doubted Kyle would believe him.

Kyle acted indifferently. Roman knew he hadn't forgiven him and he didn't know if they could ever get back to being the friends they were. "It'll be a good meal," Roman said he'd roast corn and there would be deviled eggs and lots of cold salads. "I won't let you down." Besides, maybe LaLa would take to Kyle and all would be forgiven.

Still, Roman knew he was an outsider. He always had been, even to his family. He'd never graduated from the University. It didn't seem possible he'd ever start a family and lord forbid how he might be treated if they knew about Levi.