Page 51 of With Wine Comes War

“Better. My dreams are good when Roman’s in them now. Not like before. My nightmares are still so vivid of Tanner, though.”

“Try to just be good to each other. I know your mind was playing tricks on you and it doesn’t matter if I tell you that I know Roman would never hurt you. This is something you have to gain control over. Brain trauma is like any other kind of trauma, it takes time to heal. I think being around him is helping you do that. Don’t label it and don’t purposely sabotage it. You’ll both figure it out. If it works it works, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. That’s all there is in this life. If you start to feel worried about him, you can call me or you can talk to him. He will understand and so will I.” We finished talking about what was bothering me about the case and made an appointment to talk more about my mom for another day.

***

ROMAN

After that double bourbon I felt more relaxed. Dad and I didn’t talk much, we just sat there hoping things would be better when mom and Alex finally emerged. I heard the screen door slide open andglanced over to see mom and Alex smiling. Mom’s arm was around Alex’s back, very protective and motherly.

I got up and hospitably asked, “Can I get either of you a drink?”

Mom responded, but Alex wouldn’t even look at me, “Yes, could you pour us each a white wine, please, Roman?” I walked over to the bar without looking too closely at her and poured a couple of white wines then handed them their glasses. I thought they were going to join us, but they went over by the pool and sat down. I watched as they talked and laughed, genuinely having a good time. I smiled since Alex looked happy at least.

I glanced over at my dad, “Why do you think they didn’t come over here to sit?” I swung my head in that direction as I asked.

Dad smiled and said, “That’s their thing.”They have a thing?

“And what is that?” I crunched my brow together. How do I not know anything about Alex and my mom’s “relationship.”

“After they finished with Alex’s sessions, they would come out here with a glass of wine and chit chat for an hour or so.” He casually explained. Right, now I remember her telling me she would come to see Dr. King and then hang out with mom. Well, that’s great, knowing she’s bonding with my mom. Wish she would bond with me more.

“That actually clears some things up for me.” Dad and I munched on nuts and pretzels they kept on the bar while we waited for them to be done with ‘girl time’.

They finally came back over, and mom kissed my cheek and said, “Hi honey.” Then she headed for the kitchen to get dinner ready, and dad followed to help her.

Alex sat across from me holding her almost empty glass in both hands staring into it with no expression on her face. Her eyes looked a little red and puffy–no makeup left. I wanted to wait until she was ready to look up, but instead I broke the silence and asked her if she’dlike another drink. She reached the glass out to me and with what looked like a painfully forced smile–she nodded. I came back over with two glasses. I handed her one and cautiously sat next to her then put my arm around her and took a sip. She melted into my side and laid her head on my shoulder. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent that soothed my soul then kissed the top of her head. I rested my cheek on it like I used to do so often when things were less complicated. Were things ever really less complicated with her though?

Sitting in comfortable silence until mom brought dinner out felt oddly good–not an ounce of awkwardness. We didn’t bother to set a table since this was impromptu. We just ate where we were. After dinner, dad and I cleaned up then we had an after-dinner drink and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to know.

“Ok, who knew about Harrison and Amelia and have you both spent time with them together?” I demanded almost in jest. I put my hands in the air looking back and forth between my parents. Alex looked up at me questioningly.

Mom said, “Yes, we knew about them, and we’ve spent time with her.”

“I suggested they not say anything because you and Amelia work so closely together. She’s a professional and clearly would’ve kept that to herself as long as it took. I’m sure Harrison ousted them.” Dad responded annoyed. I laughed and nodded my head.

“He did. She wasn’t happy about it either.” Dad shook his head knowingly.

“She’s lovely and has been a wonderful influence on Harrison,” Mom stated fondly.

“Have you all been having dinners without me?” The petulant child in me had to know.

“Very mature, son. We can have as many dinners as we want with whomever we want. We’re having dinner with you, right now, without Harrison.” I felt like I’d been scolded but I deserved it. Dad waved his hand at me dismissively.

“Point made. Now we can have everyone for family dinners, Amelia included, right?” I smiled and winked at Alex, and she sighed while looking away, but I wrapped my arm around her anyway–not letting her off the hook.

I whispered in her ear, “You can still come to dinner even if we aren’t together. I think my parents want to adopt you.” I kissed her cheek as she blushed and giggled. I would always include her.

I noticed she might have had a few more drinks than normal so I decided to instigate leaving. It was already nine and we wanted to go for a walk down by the river and swing. I don’t know if she’ll still be up for that, but it’s worth a shot. I want to keep her mind occupied for a bit then put her to bed–-she could use a good night’s rest after today.

We said our goodbyes and drove home in silence. I’m sure she needed to process what just happened to her while talking to my mom. When I pulled into my spot, I turned the car off and asked, “Do you still want to go for a walk?” She looked at me and nodded with enthusiasm.

“Ok, do you need to change your shoes or anything?”

“No, I’m good. I’m looking forward to swinging. I do have to warn you though, I’ve had a bit to drink.” She was slurring a little and giggling which was making me laugh. She hopped out of the car and threw her hands out to the side, “I’m ready.” She started skipping to the exit and I had to jog to catch up with her.

***

ALEX