Page 70 of Memphis

I wasn’t surprised.

He never was the type to want to talk, especially when it came to anything serious. I had no choice but to play along. “He’s doing much better, but I’m sure Kay told you that.”

“Yes, but she hasn’t been there with him like you have.”

“Well, he’s been working really hard with his therapy, and now, he’s out of the wheelchair completely and walking with a cane.”

“Wow. That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.” He took another bite of food before adding, “Maybe next time he will think twice before getting on that motorcycle of his.”

“I doubt it. Wes has really missed riding, and I don’t think he’ll ever let go.” He continued eating like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Dad, I was really hoping we could talk about?—”

He cut me off again by asking, “Did you have to cook for him?”

“Yes, a time or two.”

“Hmph. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a thing for him.”

“And what if I did?”

“You saying you do?”

“Yeah, as matter of fact I do.”

“Well, that certainly explains a lot.” He chuckled as he shook his head. “Who’d have thought it.”

“It wasn’t planned. If anything, we did our best to avoid it.”

Dad actually gave me some true fatherly advice when he said, “Life is too short for all that. If you really care about him, then make it happen.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate you saying that.”

“I mean it. I want you to be happy.”

“And I want the same for you.” Before he could interrupt, I quickly added, “I’m really worried about you.”

“Worried about me?” His smile faltered for a moment, but then it was back, a little forced this time. “Why on earth would you be worried about me?”

“You’re not yourself. You haven’t been yourself since Mom died... even before then.”

“That’s nonsense.”

“But it’s not, Dad,” I pushed. “It’s like you’ve been pulling away, and it’s getting harder and harder to reach you. And I’m not the only one who’s felt it.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Kay has felt it, too.”

“Well, I’m right here.”

“You know what I mean. I know you have a lot on you, and you always carry it yourself. I just wanted you to know that I’m here if you need me.”

“I don’t know where all this is coming from, but you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’m good. Everything’s good.”

“So, things are fine with work and your finances?”

“Yeah. No reason they wouldn’t be.”

“And things are okay with you and Kay?”

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