Page 53 of Sticking Out

“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

“Yes, life is busy. I do know that.” As Conner says a few words to his father, I weave my arm through Darcy’s and lead her into the house. She stops and glances into the living room. “You’re painting.” Before I can answer, she continues with, “Are you freshening up the place to sell?”

“No.” I briefly consider that foolish thought I had of Conner and I sharing one house. “I just thought it was time for a bit of redecorating.” She glances down and nods, because she gets it. It’s a way for me to move forward, but it doesn’t mean I’m forgetting Alec. I hope she realizes that.

She smiles at me. “I love the soft gray.”

“I like it too. I made iced tea, but let’s go find something stronger.” She laughs and we head to the kitchen. I find wine, and when Conner and Bill come in, Conner grabs a couple of beers, checking in with me as he twists the caps off.

For the next hour we sit outside, choosing our topics carefully as we chat. Eventually Conner grills the steaks and we make our way inside for a nice dinner. I note the way Conner has gone a bit quiet, thoughtful toward the end of the meal, so I work to carry the conversation.

Darcy takes her last bite of steak and sets the fork down. “Dinner was lovely. It’s so nice for us to all be together.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand.

“Mom, Dad,” Conner says, his voice deep and sure. “Dani and I have been dating.”

The room goes silent for a moment, and then smiles spread across Darcy and Bill’s face.

“Is that right?” Bill asks, and reaches over and puts his hand on Conner’s shoulder.

“I know this is awkward,” I begin. “It doesn’t mean I don’t cherish the memory of Alec or what we had.”

Darcy gives me a wobbly smile. “We all loved Alec,” she begins. “But you’re young, Dani. You need to move on and build a life for yourself. We understand that.”

“I just…Conner…me.”

“I always thought you two made a lovely couple.”

Her words take me by surprise. They must shock Conner too. “If you’ll excuse me for a second.” Conner gets up so fast, he nearly knocks his chair backward. He disappears quickly.

“Let me clear these dishes.” I pick up my plate, and reach for Bill’s. I’m not sure where Conner went, and I’m not sure why I have a knot in my gut. A few minutes later he comes back and drops a box down in the middle of the table, and my blood drains to my toes. My gaze darts to his. I honestly had no idea he was going to do this today. I’m not sure he knew either, judging by the uncertainty on his face.

“I…I found these things in a box in Alec’s closet.”

“What things?” Darcy asks, as she leans forward to look into the box. Conner pulls out some old trading cards and his mother’s eyes go wide.

“Conner, you lost those years ago. I remember helping you search for hours.”

“I know.” He reaches in and pulls out a couple of medals he won in high school hockey and his father pushes back in his chair, his face paling.

“You found these in Alec’s closet?”

Conner nods and his mom and dad quickly face each other, sharing a look I don’t quite understand. Conner scratches his head as his gaze goes back and forth between the two of them.

“What?”

With a shaky hand, his mom wipes her mouth with a napkin, but I don’t miss the tears in her eyes. “Should we get dessert?” She makes a move to stand.

“Conner.” I reach for his arm, before this goes any further, and Darcy becomes more upset.

“No, Darcy. Stay put.” Bill’s touches Darcy’s hand as his shoulders sag. In that brief second, he looks twenty years older. Alec’s death was hard on them, but something here, something right now, is killing them just as much.

Darcy sits, and puts her hand in her lap. Bill reaches for one and brings it close.

“Dad?”

“Things haven’t always been easy for you, son.”

“I know,” Conner responds and crinkles his brow.

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