Page 56 of Forfeits

I want to go back to the Bordello. Even though that’s what scared you off, I feel like we really connected.

Me too. FYI Lucy is away this weekend, so if you wanted to come for a sleepover…

Hell, yes. Can we do both?

I don’t see why not.

Celebration emoji.

Super happy face emoji

* * * *

I was meeting Brian and Annie at a Denny’s near Baseline Road. I swallowed my pride and drove to the restaurant situated in the parking lot of a strip mall.

My father-in-law was waiting for me outside the restaurant. He looked a lot like Daniel, and every time I saw him I was a little bit taken aback by it. His red hair had gotten lighter and coarser, and there were almost as many age spots as freckles now. Some strong emotion hovered right under the surface, but I pushed it down and smiled.

“Hi, Brian. How are you?”

“Fletcher!” Brian said, smiling wide and reaching out to take my hand. He clutched my elbow with his other hand and squeezed. “How are you doing?”

I avoided the question. “Where’s Annie?”

“She’s sitting inside, saving our table.”

Brian led the way to the table where Daniel’s mother, Annie, sat tapping on her phone screen. She looked up and smiled when Brian and I approached.

“Fletcher! How nice to see you. Sit down.”

“Thanks. I’m starved.”

Annie was petite but had a confident way about her. Her graying hair was expertly coiffed, and she wore her makeup in a way that made her look younger than her actual age.

She laughed. “Oh good. So am I and I don’t want to look like a pig. They serve breakfast all day, and I’m dying for French toast.”

I grabbed a menu and had a look while Brian sat beside Annie.

“The omelets are pretty good,” he said. “But I think I’m going to have the chicken sandwich.”

“How’s Lucy?” Annie asked.

“She’s great,” I said.

Suddenly, Annie became serious. “How’s she fairing at school? Grade seven can be a challenge for kids like Lucy.”

I stared at my mother-in-law. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, I just mean for kids who are dealing with other issues.”

“Lucy’s fine. She’s happy.”

My mother-in-law smiled, like she didn’t quite believe me. “Is she still having nightmares?”

“Annie,” Brian cautioned.

“Well, I’m curious. They make her so upset, and I’d like to know if that’s still going on.”

“Not as often as she used to get them,” I said, wary at this line of questioning. “But occasionally, yes, Lucy does have upsetting dreams. But her therapist and mine have both said that’s normal in our…situation.”

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