Finding Focus Read Online Free PDF Page B

Sheridan Reed,” the very handsome, distinguished man standing behind Annie says, cutting me off. He steps around her and offers his hand.
    “Dani,” I tell him, shaking his hand, only to be practically swooned right out of my shoes as he winks at me before kissing the back of my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Landry,” I say, managing to gather my wits and speak coherently, avoiding embarrassment.
    “The pleasure is mine, Dani. It’s so good to have you here, doing an article on our little piece of happiness.”
    “Don’t let him charm you, Dani,” Annie interrupts. “Remember what I told you about this one?” she asks, pointing at Deacon. “Well, he learned from the best.”
    Deacon and Sam both laugh, and something about them seems familiar, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.
    “Sam, we need to go or we’re going to be late.” Annie grabs her clutch off the island and Sam begins leading her out of the kitchen. “Deacon, be on your best behavior.”
    “Maw, I’m a grown-ass man. I think I can handle taking Ms. Dani here to dinner without getting into any trouble.”
    “Uh huh. Heard that before.” She gives him a look, but quickly changes her gaze to me. “I’m going to apologize in advance for anything he says or does tonight that is out of line.” She blows kisses our direction.
    We all laugh as we make our way out of the house, saying our goodbyes.
    Deacon stops in the large attached garage, pointing to a jeep. “You wanna leave your car and ride with me, or follow? We’re gonna go to Pockets. It’s a few miles up the road.”
    “Uh, I guess I’ll just follow you since it’s getting late. I probably won’t work anymore today.”
    “Okay, sounds good.”
    I continue to walk around to the front where I parked my car and get in. A minute or so later, Deacon pulls around in a Jeep that has tires bigger than me. It fits him. He revs the engine and rolls his window down to talk to me, so I do the same.
    “You wanna race?”
    “Drive it like you stole it,” I tell him.
    He throws his head back laughing and peels out in front of me.
    Following him back to the main road, Deacon takes a right—the opposite direction of the motel—and drives about half a mile before pulling into a roadside restaurant. From the looks of the cars in the gravel parking lot, the place seems to be hopping. As the music playing inside filters into the night air, I glance up to see a flickering marquee sign that says “Pockets”.
    “So, what is this place?” I ask as Deacon steps out of his Jeep.
    “You like things that come in pockets?” he asks.
    “Um, I guess?”
    Deacon must sense my confusion because he continues. “You know, pieces of bread folded together to make a ‘pocket’?” He does little air quotes.
    “Oh, you mean like pita bread?”
    “What the hell’s a pita bread?”
    Using his line from three seconds ago, I say, “Little pieces of bread folded together to make a ‘pocket’,” mimicking his air quotes.
    Deacon lets out a frustrated breath. “Yeah, but these pockets are deep fried . . . and you can have anything you want in ‘em. Gumbo, red beans and rice, ham and cheese, barbeque, shrimp étouffée, boudin—you name it! There’s even a make your own.” He waggles his eyebrows and laughs. “I think you’re really gonna like ‘em,” he says, opening the door for me.
    When we walk inside, a girl with curly brown hair bounces in front of us. “Hey, Deke.” She smiles, trying to gain his attention, but he quickly dismisses her. “Hey.”
    “Welcome to Pockets,” she says, smiling at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She pauses for a minute, looking me up and down. She’s probably wondering who I am, if I’m with him, and most importantly, where I’m from. It’s what I would be wondering if I were in her shoes. “Who’s she?” she asks, pointing at me, but looking at Deacon.
    Well, isn’t she the bold one.
    “ She is Dani, and we’re going to sit