Chapter 16

“Want me to set the table?” Rob asked.

“Sure, if you would.” Darren almost said “If you don’t mind,” but Rob wasn’t a guest, at least as far as Darren was concerned. A housemate, for as long as he’s willing to stick around.

While Rob got out plates, cups, and silverware, Darren took the bacon out of the pan, putting it on a platter, drained out most of the grease, and then poured the eggs into the pan before putting bread in the toaster. A few minutes later, the eggs joined the bacon on the platter, with the toast along one side. He set it on the kitchen table, got butter and jam, and smiled when Rob got the coffee pot to fill their cups.

At least he’s not shy about carrying his own weight, so far. Let’s hope that continues.

Breakfast was eaten in relative silence, each man wrapped up in his own thoughts. Once the dishes were in the dishwasher, Darren broached the subject of Rob’s filing a complaint against the men who had assaulted him.