Page 24 of Bear Strength

“If you need more, feel free to help yourself,” I tell Adrian.

“Daily calorie requirement for active males age 31 to 50 is 2,900. I had only 1 serving of meat today, and two servings of vegetables. That leaves one serving of meat and two servings of vegetables.”

“I could make you a salad, if the peas aren’t enough,” I reply all confused, looking at the food before us. Dominick has a sneer on. He’s obviously used to Adrian acting this way.

“I see you have apples there,” he points at the fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. “May I have one before I go?”

“Of-of course,” I mumble, nodding.

Adrian adjusts the napkin on his lap, and aligns his elbows on the table, as he takes the fork and knife. Dominick isn’t so attentive to detail. He starts shoving the food into his mouth immediately, while I’m still trying to process if I should go and whip up a quick salad for everyone, in addition to the peas.

Adrian eats slowly, making sure to chew thoroughly. He is a silent eater, unlike my son, but I’m used to it. We all eat without many words exchanged. When he’s done, Adrian places the fork and knife aligned in his plate. He takes the napkin and dabs the corner of his lips. A few bread crumbs are stuck in his beard, and I don’t know how to tell him.

“You got a little something here,” Dominick does me a favor and tells Adrian himself.

He tries to shake it out of his beard, but the crumbs are stubborn. They won’t budge. Then, Dominick gets up and picks them out himself. He returns to his seat, and smiles.

“Can I get you a coffee?” I ask Adrian. “There’s also ice cream in the freezer.”

“Thank you,” Adrian shakes his head. “Preliminary research shows that late night caffeine intake affects one internal clock, making you feel tired.”

“Something like jet lag?” Dominick asks.

“Exactly,” Adrian nods.

“Have you ever flown with an airplane?” Dominick asks him.

“No. Have you?”

“No,” Dominick shakes his head, sounding disappointed.

“There’s time for all of that later,” I get up, clearing the table. “But, you’re right about the coffee thing.”

“It’s not me,” he shrugs. “There is research behind it.”

I look at Dominick and we both smile at each other. A part of me wants to ask if this is how he acts all the time, but that would sound way too rude. He is my guest after all. And, he makes sure my son arrives home safe.

“I can help with that,” Adrian suddenly gets up and tries to take the plates from my hands.

“Oh, no, no,” I smile. “You’re my guest. He should actually be doing this.”

I point at Dominick, and he tries to hide his face in his hands, as if that will make him invisible. I chuckle a little.

“But, it’s alright,” I nod, taking the dishes to the sink.

“I won’t be taking up more of your time then,” I hear Adrian’s voice behind me.

It’s not that late, and I’m tempted to tell him to stay. Anyone who can make my son smile like that is always welcomein our house. But, I don’t say anything. Instead, I wipe my hands with the kitchen towel, and turn to him.

“Thank you for dinner,” he tells me, as his beard shakes a little.

It’s clean now, free of any dinner remnants. His face is smooth, and I realize he must be younger than I originally thought. There are no lines around his eyes, which are slightly elongated. Then, I see the faint line of a facial scar that starts in the middle of his right cheek, and disappears in his bushy beard. I realize I’m staring, so I quickly look to the side.

“Thank you for making sure my son comes home safe,” I smile back. I really mean it.

Dominick and I walk him over to the door together.

“Next Saturday at 7:30?” Adrian asks.

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