Page 96 of An Unfinished Story
Claire smiled, knowing she wasn’t the only one still missing David. “He hated the Yankees. I’m sure you know that.”
Oliver smiled back, nodding. “Yes, he did.”
“He must have really liked you then.”
Oliver nodded, taking a bite of his hamburger. Once he was done chewing, Whitaker watched him start to wipe his mouth with his sleeve, but at the last moment Oliver reached for his napkin.
The singer onstage started another Buffett song, “Tin Cup Chalice.” Claire reached into her purse and extracted the Yankees hat. It still had a tag on it. “He never gave up on you, Oliver. I hope you know that.”
“I know that now.”
Claire offered Oliver the hat. “Now I know why I’ve been holding on to this for so long.”
“That’s the hat that was in his car?”
Claire nodded, holding back her emotions.
“You’re giving it to me?” Surprise shot out of his eyes.
“Of course.”
“Thank you so much,” Oliver said, looking at the hat for a moment before placing it on his head. “It fits!” He adjusted it and then looked at her. “This is pretty awesome.” He opened his arms to her, and she hugged him with everything she had.
So this is what it’s like to have a child in your life,Claire thought. She had never quite been able to let go of the anger she’d harbored toward her mother for leaving them, so she’d never gotten to know her younger half siblings. A few trips to Chicago here and there, but for the most part Claire had avoided her mother’s new family. Of course, Claire had employed some younger adults at Leo’s, but they were closer to eighteen.
Oliver was still so young and innocent and impressionable, and though she’d only known him for a little while, she felt a vested interest in his life—the man he would become.
Looking past him, Claire saw a patch of dark clouds moving in and heard a faint groan of thunder. The wind pushed through, whipping the palm fronds above.
Oliver caught a napkin setting before it sailed into the air.
“I hear thunder,” Claire announced, winking at Oliver.
Whitaker made a big show with his hand. “Okay, that’s enough picking on me for the day.”
“No, listen.”
Another rumble, this time with more fury.
“Oh, you were serious,” Whitaker said.
More thunder, and then a lightning bolt with several terrifying tentacles shot from the sky, striking the ground close by.
Claire clapped her hands together. “I think it’s time to go.”
Whitaker raised his hand. “Check, please!”
And the raindrops began to fall.
Chapter 38
CANYOUSWIM?
It had been a long time since Claire enjoyed a meal in the main dining room of her restaurant. Today was a special occasion, though. She and Oliver were spending the morning together.
Whitaker had made the excuse that he was writing, encouraging them to go on without him. Claire wasn’t sure if he was truly working, but she was quite sure the real reason he’d asked for a rain check was that he wanted her to enjoy some time alone with Oliver. He knew she still had so many questions, even though they’d seen him twice more since the dinner a week ago.
It wasn’t even nine yet, but it was bright, warm, and humid outside. Almost every table was taken. Claire and Oliver occupied a two-top out back near the herb garden.
