Page 114 of Nodus Tollens
“Mom couldn’t keep up with your appetites.” Greg said with a shake of his head and a light smirk. “Had her workin’ around the clock makin’ food and desserts.”
“Don’t act like it was all for us, old man.” Mal teased as he shoved his fork back into his mouth. The playful banter between them all made me feel like I was at home. It was a familiar, comforting feeling to know that their small little family was just like mine. y dad would tease both my mom and me, and I would try, and most of the time fail, to get back at him. I wasn’t good with comebacks, but every now and then, I would come up with something.
The small talk and jokes continued as we ate. I swear I’ve never smiled so much in one night, and though I wasn’t adding to the conversation much, I loved just watching them all interact. Hayes and Mal would gang up on their dad, playfully, of course, while Shelia did her best to defend him. Back and forth, they talked about everything and anything. When Hayes was little and used to sleepwalk, to Mal’s reckless driving record. I laughed more than I thought I would. I smiled brighter than I had in years, and for once, I felt grateful instead of being scared to be a part of something more. I had accepted long ago that the mundane life I was living was going to be my forever. I didn’t expect a light at the end of the tunnel for me or a glimpse of what happiness would feel like. Now, I was basking in it. The smiles, the emotions, the love. It was all getting to me. Straight to the heart, sinking deep into my soul. I don’t think I would ever get enough of it.
“So, boys, how are your classes going? Hockey? I want to hear it all.” Shelia directed her question at the both of them, but Hayes was the first to respond.
“Classes are fine. Hockey is…hockey. Nothing really new to report.” The nonchalance in his tone had me glancing over at him. His shoulders sagged and the green in his eyes seemed to have dimmed. We hadn’t spoken much about what else was going on in his life besides his dad, and a rush of regret hit me. I’ve been so caught up in my problems that I wasn’t asking him about his. So instinctively, I reached for his hand under the table. I landed on his knee, causing him to stiffen, but when he realized that I wanted his hand, he swiftly gave it to me.
The warmth of his skin wrapped around my palm had me sighing. There was nothing more perfect and righter than his hand in mine. Kissing him was magical and life-changing, but his hand in mine was something I would hold onto forever. Even when it would be time to let go, I’d have known what it had felt like to have my entire world at my fingertips.
I had given him a firm squeeze and a gentle rub of my thumb along his hand in reassurance. I wanted him to know that I had noticed the shift in him.
That I cared.
“And you, Mal?” Shelia questioned.
“What he said.” He motioned toward Hayes while leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. Large, tanned arms threatened to tear the cuffs of his shirt as he brought them up, but when they didn’t, I quickly diverted my prying eyes and focused on his face.
“That’s it? That’s all I get?” She spun herself around in the chair and faced Mal with a look of disbelief and annoyance all in one. “What about a girlfriend? Are you seeing anyone?”
“No.” He answered bluntly.
“Not even a date?”
“He doesn’t date, mom.” Hayes interjected.
Shelia’s brows dipped low, and her mouth dropped open.
“What? Why not?”
Oh boy.
Shifting around in my seat, I knew this conversation was headed downhill. Just looking at Hayes, I could see the frustration in his features as his jaw set and the vein in his forehead popped out. I couldn’t help but squeeze tighter onto Hayes’ hand.
I was nervous.
“Not everyone falls in love within weeks of knowing someone.” Mal responded with a tone that had a bit of malice behind it. It felt like the words were directed and meant for us without actually calling us out. Immediately, I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach, especially when I felt Hayes go stiff under my hand.
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Hayes argued as his whole body straightened defensively.
My stare went back and forth between the two, but neither would acknowledge me. Lost in their stare-down, I knew wherever this was headed, it wasn’t going to be good. Even Shelia and Greg watched them like they couldn’t believe what they were witnessing.
“It means I’m not you.”
Hayes laughed.
“No, you’re not me. You’re far from it, actually.”
My eyes shot to Hayes’ side profile, and I caught the tension in his posture. Cheeks more pronounced and tight, I knew he was clenching his teeth in anger. That seemed to be the only look that he gave his best friend these days. Ever since I got into the picture, I have caused friction. My stomach twisted and turned into a million little knots, knowing that I was the cause of all this. Something needed to be done or said, but I couldn’t just throw myself into the argument now. Even if I wanted to, my nerves wouldn’t let me.
“Huh? Could’ve fuckin’ fooled me at last Friday’s game. With you throwing those punches like you were… Some might think you’re tryin’ to be just like me.”
“Boys…” Greg interrupted, but it was like he went unnoticed and unheard.
“Shit, it would take a lot more than throwing punches to be like you.” Hayes scoffed. “I’d have to play like shit and piss everyone off if I wanted that.”
Mal glared. Clouded-over eyes beamed at Hayes as Mal dropped the arms behind his shoulders and chuckled.
