Page 84 of Meet Me at the Grand

When she handed it to Dad, he scoffed. “The croutons are the best part.”

“And they’ll spike your blood sugar, you ninny.” Marianne glanced at Liam. “You want some, or did you have plans after all?”

“No plans here. But I’m not very hungry.”

Dad was already digging in, right there at the counter. But at Liam’s declaration, he paused. “Since when?”

Liam shrugged. “I ate a late lunch.” It was mostly true, if a container of yogurt and a few nuts equaled lunch.

Waving his fork at Liam, Dad shook his head. “I don’t buy it. You’ve been quiet all week, and at first, I took it as extreme focus with the big changes coming up. But then Marianne pointed out that you haven’t seemed like yourself ever since you came home, and I have to agree, especially if you’re not eating.” His father set his fork down and rounded the counter, placing his hand on Liam’s shoulder. “What’s going on, son?”

Marianne suddenly snapped her fingers. “Chaz, I forgot to get dessert. I’m going to run to the bodega on the corner, all right? Be right back.” Then before either of them could protest, she grabbed her bag and scurried out.

“That woman.” Dad’s mouth hitched upward to one corner. Then he studied Liam, sighed. “Are you having trouble with the idea of me moving on from your mom? I know we talked about it, but the reality might be different.”

“What? No, Dad.”

“Is it Marianne then? I thought you considered her like a second mother, but maybe?—”

“I love her. I love her for you. That’s not it.” Liam headed back to the couch and plopped down. After being on Dani’s couch, this one felt so stiff, ungiving. “Grab your dinner. I don’t want it to get cold.”

“I’m not going to eat without her anyway.” His father joined him. “Tell me what’s on your mind, son.”

“I can’t.” Because if his dad knew, he might not retire. And that wouldn’t solve anything.

The buttons on Dad’s shirt strained against his stomach as he shifted to face Liam. “Okay, then. Let me tell you what Marianne thinks is wrong. I was positive it was about me and her, but maybe she’s right instead.” Dad rubbed the corner of his droopy eyelid. “She thinks you don’t really want to be CEO.”

Liam’s chest tightened, and it grew more difficult to breathe. “Why does she think that?”

“I notice you’re not denying it.” Dad’s mouth drew flat. “Son, I thought this was what you wanted. You’ve been on me to retire for years now. And I know you were all gung-ho about the project with Travis—which I am still planning to approve in quarter three, once we have the funds—but I thought that the main impetus behind that was you wanting to be here in town. Settle down. Get a place of your own like you’ve been talking about. But if I was wrong, if you don’t want to be CEO, I?—”

“No, I do, Dad. I see how happy you are, how much healthier you’re going to be once this transition takes place. Think of all the stress I’m saving you.” He scratched behind his ear. “You’ve had a rough go of it, and you deserve to relax. To finally be happy.”

“Liam, I may have had some knocks in my day, but I’ve lived a very happy life.”

“But Mom. My sister.”

Dad pressed his fist against his knee, knocking a few times. “Yes, that was the worst time in our lives. But I’ve tried to make up for that. Tried to be what you needed anyway.”

“You have been. You’ve been a great dad. A great boss.”

“I know I haven’t been perfect. Marianne’s also pointed out that perhaps I’ve taught you some of my workaholic tendencies.”

Liam had to laugh at that. “She’s a very perceptive woman.”

“Hmm, don’t tell her that or she’ll never let me live it down.” Then Dad sobered. “Son, back to what you said earlier. It’s never been your job to save me. You know that, right? I’m the parent. It’s my job to protect you, not the other way around.”

“But Mom said…” No. He didn’t want to burden Dad with that.

“What did she say?”

His dad’s eyes looked so earnest, as if desperate to know more about her last moments. By the time he’d gotten back into town from his business trip, it had been too late. Mom and the baby had been gone. And Liam had deprived his father of knowing what had really happened because he’d been ashamed.

Now, though, he poured out the story. Every moment. Every bit of guilt. Even what Mom had said right before they’d loaded her into the ambulance.

Dad was quiet for a while, leaning forward on his knees, staring at the carpet. Then, finally, “Thank you for telling me, son.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.” Liam wiped away a tear.

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