Page 98 of Here and Now
“Oh, just making sure Kai hasn’t called.”
He smiles warmly. “Do you want to check on him?”
I bite the corner of my lower lip. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Call him.”
Immediately my anxiety settles a little. I get up and head to the front, dialing the phone that Quinn gave him.
“Hi, Mom!”
“Hey, buddy. Everything going okay?”
“Yup! Hazel and I are watching a movie, and then she’s going to take me for ice cream.”
I release a heavy sigh. “That sounds great. I’m glad you’re having fun.”
“Are you having a good time?” he asks.
“I am. Miles and I are having dinner, and then we’re going somewhere after.”
“Cool. Tell him I said hi!”
“I will. Be good. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom!”
He hangs up before I can say anything, and I feel a little foolish for needing to make that call, but also better for having done it.
I head back to the table. “Everything good?” Miles asks.
“It’s great. He’s having a good time.”
“Good. Are you as well?”
I lift one shoulder. “I could be.”
“Could be?”
“I mean, I have to ask Marge ...”
He smiles. “She’d tell you that you’re having a great time, because I’m her favorite person.”
“Really? It kind of seems like she’d tell me that you’re not all that special.”
“That’s her way of using reverse psychology.”
I nod slowly. “I see. It’s working then.”
“I knew you’d finally realize it.”
The first course comes out, and it’s a simple salad with some bread and butter. “Here. This is my special salad. I grow the lettuce myself. I had William make one of those hydro gardens, and I only serve this to the customers I really like. That’s you, sweetie.” She places it in front of me. “I gave you the bagged stuff from the supermarket,” she says as she gives the plate to Miles.
The two of us laugh, and she winks before heading back.
“I swear, I regret all of my choices,” Miles says as he grabs his fork.
“Did you find a teacher yet?” I ask as I pick up some of the special lettuce.
