Page 13 of Check the Halls
“Can I get you two anything?” his mom asks, looking anxiously between the two of us. “Something to drink? Something to eat?”
Before I can respond, Sam says, “We’re good, Mom. The pamphlet says we're supposed to get to know one another on our own. Find shared interests to help us establish a bond. Right, Sandra?”
Sandra smiles gently at him. “That’s right.”
“Did you remember to set the timer on the cookies?” he asks his mom.
She slaps a hand over her mouth. “Crap on a cracker, I forgot about the cookies. I’ll go do that now.” She pauses in the doorway, unsure of herself. “Just give me a call if you need anything. I’m Elliot. Did I say that already?”
I huff a laugh because I can’t help it. She’s chaos, but in the most endearing way. “It’s nice to meet you, Elliot.”
“I’ll give you a hand,” Sandra offers. She gives me an encouraging grin before following Sam’s mom from the room.
“So, Sam.” I start, feeling a bit larger than life in the small room. “Tell me about yourself.”
The moment the footsteps fade away, Sam turns back to me. “We don’t need to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Pretend to care about getting to know one another. Neither of us wants to be here, so let’s just make it as painless as possible, okay?”
“I want to be here.”
He gives me a look that tells me he’s not buying whatever I’m selling.
“I’m serious.” I insist. “Why do you think I volunteered?”
“I assumed it was some sort of court-mandated community service.” His brow furrows as he looks back at the chessboard. “Though I Googled you extensively and couldn’t find any evidence of a criminal record.”
The bark of laughter that comes out of me appears to surprise him. He cocks an eyebrow as he sits back against the sofa, regarding me. I regard him right back. He’s small for his age. He’s got the same green eyes as his mom, though his hair is a bit darker.
Sam gives his head a shake, annoyed that he hasn’t figured me out yet. “So why are you doing this?”
Why am I doing this?
If you want to be less self-involved, try performing selfless acts.
Because I want to prove to myself and others that I’m not an egotistical asshole? Because I have the time and resources to make a difference in some kid’s life?
Because even though I live a big life, it feels empty sometimes?
“I’ve been given a lot over the years,” I say, deciding to keep it as honest as possible. “I’d like to give back.”
He frowns but remains silent and I start to second guess my approach. If I want to connect with this kid, I’m going to need to figure out what makes him tick.
“What are your interests, Sam?”
“Nothockey.” He says the word with disdain.
I figured as much, given his lack of enthusiasm at my presence. “That’s cool. What do you like?”
He looks at the game in front of him and back up to me, but doesn’t answer.
“You like…chess?”
“Yeah.” The silence stretches and I’m about to start fishing again when he adds, “I’m ranked third in the province, for my age.”
“No shit?”
