Page 13 of Bourbon & Bonfires

The minute I saw him at the pickup spot, I knew he had a good time, and this time with his friend was exactly what he needed to help get him back to who he was. Who he is. Finally, golden arches. Maybe if I buy him food he’ll at least remember a new story from the trip.

“Hungry?”

“Starving. Oh, I could go for a burger and fries. Can we stop?”

“You bet. Let’s get out and stretch our legs a bit.”

Mason and I order our meals and settle into a booth for a quick lunch. As usual, he’s done in half the time it takes me. I don’t even know if teenagers taste their food the way he eats. The food accomplished what I’d hoped and instead of another rendition of “this cool thing happened,” Mason talks a little about his new school and how bored he is not having any friends.

“Well, I think you should join a club or something. Maybe it’s not too late to try out for a sport?” I ask, but by the expression on his face, I can tell that was the wrong suggestion. “Or not. Maybe a job. You said something about a job before. Let’s talk to Uncle Taylor tonight. Maybe he knows someone hiring.”

“I’m not old enough. I told you that already.” And there’s my sarcastic and snappy son. I guess the joyous version was short-lived. “We’ll figure it out. Let’s get going.”

By the time I pull into our driveaway, Mason has withdrawn a little more, and I find myself questioning whether my decision to move him from his friends was the right one. Of course, if he was still hanging out with Jordy most of the time, he probably wouldn’t have been in as much trouble. No, this was for the best.

“Mom?” Mason calls as I set my purse on the kitchen counter and start toward the laundry room.

“Yeah, kiddo?”

“Did Dad call you?” Mason’s voice drops, sadness lacing each word.

“No, why? Is something wrong?”

“No. I just thought he might have called by now.”

“Oh Mason,” I begin stepping toward him. With his shoulders hunched over, he looks defeated. I pull him to me and force a hug on him, one he reluctantly returns. “I’m sorry he didn’t call. I’m sure he’s busy. But it’s okay, you had fun with Jordy and still have a few days left of your break. Think positive.”

“Oh geez. Did Aunt Nela make you do a positive list too?”

I laugh and Mason smiles back. “She did. I’m on day two. How about you?”

“Uh, well vacation counts as a valid excuse to be behind, right?”

“I think it does. Why don’t you drop your bag in the laundry room, and I’ll get a load started while you take your gear to the garage.”

Mason nods in response, and once again I’m cursing his father for not making him a priority. I can’t sit around and wait for Dan to get his head out of his ass. I’m going to have to find a way to help my son. Hopefully, my brother can help me figure out exactly how to do that.

The guys want to grab a few beers as a belated New Year’s celebration, but I pass. Of course, they want to go to The Road. It’s not that I have a problem going to the bar; it’s just I’m a little concerned about seeing Taylor. I’m sure Addy told him about the kiss, and if I know Taylor, he’s probably going to want to kick my ass. Then again, if that were the case I’m sure he’d have shown up on my doorstep bright and early on New Year’s Day.

Nevertheless, I’m not taking a chance. That’s why I counter the beer offer with poker night at my house. Before Jameson and Ashton got together, we used to have a weekly game at his house. Half the night was spent talking shit and drinking beer and the rest half-assed playing cards. But now, as each of my friends have moved on with their relationships and are building lives, those poker nights have been few and far between. Normally, we’d include Taylor in the game, but considering I’m avoiding him at all costs right now, I invited my brother instead.

I’m putting the poker table together when Owen walks in my front door, shouting.

“I’m not paying for the pizza, fucker.”

“I’m a little busy. Pay the guy, would you?” I ask before tossing my wallet at his big head.

“And tip him, you cheap bastard!”

Owen waves me off as he pulls money from my wallet and exchanges that for a few pizzas. I finish setting the table and chairs as Owen walks in from the kitchen with a slice of pizza in one hand and two beers in the other. Extending the beers to me, I grab one and take a long pull before looking at the pizza in his hand.

“Ever heard of a plate?”

“Ever heard of not being a chick? Relax, man.” I watch Owen stuff the rest of the pizza in his mouth. How he landed a beautiful and classy woman like Minnie is beyond me.

“You’re a mess. How does Minnie put up with you?” I ask as I walk toward the kitchen and pull paper plates and napkins from the pantry.

“She’s not with me for my table manners, if you get what I’m saying.”

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