After the incident in the shower, Katie behaved wonderfully. She laughed several times and suggested we go out for breakfast. I agreed, so we piled into my car to go to a local diner for breakfast.
As we waited for a waitress to notice us (they were always busy on Saturday mornings), a buddy of mine, Ken, came over to greet me. He caught sight of Katie examining the menu, and gawped at her. Josh cleared his throat and his brow darkened ominously. Ken greeted me, and asked who the kids were. I introduced them, Katie oblivious that Ken was openly apprising her shapely figure. Josh stood up and gripped Ken’s hand in a “warm” handshake. I heard something crack, and Ken rubbed his hand. “So, Derek,” he said hurriedly, “Who is this lovely lady I have the pleasure of meeting?” Katie blinked.
“That’s Katie,” I said, watching the goings on with amusement. “She’s 13.”
“Oh! Wow, are these yours?” Ken asked, jaw dropping just for a moment.
“Yeah,” I laughed, “As of yesterday.” Ken nodded his head and shook Katie’s hand. “Charmed,” he murmured, brushing his lips aganist her hand. Katie giggled and Josh nearly smashed a salt shaker. I invited Ken to join us, and he accepted in a heartbeat. I mean, what man wouldn’t? He kept trying to engage in a conversation with Katie, but Josh would have none of it. Finally, I suggested that Josh and Katie go and buy some candy from the counter.