Page 97 of Here and Now
“Whatever you bring will be great. Not like I think you’d bring what I ask for anyway.”
She shrugs. “If you made the right choice, I’d bring it.”
“Okay, I’ll have a beer,” he says.
“Wine it is.”
Marge walks off, and Miles looks at me with a smile. “Sorry, I should’ve known better.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, this is amazing and she’s amazing.”
He stares off in the direction she left. “She really was like a second mother to me. Marge would watch me and Eloise when Gran was working or just needed a break. She and Uncle Will mean theworld to me. He’s who taught me how to skate, and he put a hockey stick in my hand for the first time when I was ten. Not having a mom or a dad was hard when I got older, but this community of people in our lives softened the blow.”
Hearing that makes me ache for him because it’s eerily similar to what Kai is experiencing.
“I think being a parent is the hardest job in the world, but add on when you’re doing it alone, it sometimes feels impossible.”
He reaches his hand out, resting it on top of mine. “You’re doing the impossible. Never doubt that. Kai is a great kid, and he’s so lucky to have you as his mother.”
The guilt that settles in my gut makes it hard to breathe. If he knew ...
If he was aware of the person I let into my life, who I loved, who I trusted, would he think Kai was lucky?
I think he’d see me as a fool.
Marge appears back at the table and places our wine down, causing us to break apart. “Have you looked at the menu?” she asks.
“Not yet,” I admit with a smile.
She takes it from us both. “Don’t. I’ll make something just fabulous and unique that will be an aphrodisiac. Maybe oysters! Those are supposed to do the trick. Oh! And definitely chocolate with pomegranate for dessert. Yes, we’ll just load you two up on them.”
Miles covers his face with his hands. “I should’ve taken you for fast food.”
Marge humphs. “Please, I’m just helping here. Lord knows you need all the help you can get.” She turns to me. “He’s how old and never married? His sister is married, two kids, and this one over here can’t get it together.” Seeming to realize what she said, her eyes widen. “Not that it’s a bad thing. I’m sure he’s just looking for the perfect woman, you know.” She winks.
Oh my God, she’s the best.
“I’m sure he’ll find her.”
She pulls her head back. “Honey, what if you’re her?”
Miles clears his throat. “First date. First date, Aunt Marge. Let’s cool it. We don’t need oysters, which I don’t even think you’ve ever made.”
Her back straightens, and she turns her head slowly to look at him. “I haven’t, but I’m a chef and I can make anything. However, by the time your uncle gets his shoes on and finds oysters, it’ll be tomorrow, so ... I’ll cook you both our special for the night.” Her eyes find mine. “Are you allergic to anything, sweetheart?”
I shake my head. “No, ma’am.”
“Good.”
And then she’s off again.
I glance down at my phone once more, making sure I don’t have any missed calls or texts—so far nothing.
“Everything okay?” Miles asks.
“Huh?”
“You keep checking your phone.”
