Page 24 of Healed
“Oh, my gosh, Mom! That’s a lot of food!” Daisy exclaimed.
“Sorry. I’m used to Bane and all the rest of our family. The men are really big eaters,” Janie said, as she started in on her meal again. “And if everyone finishes their food, I have chocolate pudding for dessert! Well, everyone except for Daisy, she already has a strawberry shake. Did you know that strawberry shakes are her absolute favorite?” Janie asked.
“I found out earlier today when I dropped Carson off at the art studio. She was having one and telling me how much she likes them,” Charlie admitted.
“Loves them. Not likes. She loves them,” Janie said.
“Dad, are you going to get barbecue sauce on your face like me and Mr. Bane?” Carson asked.
“I might,” Charlie said.
“You have to. It’s how you do it,” Carson said.
“Well, then, I’m sure I will,” Charlie said.
“Mrs. Janie? Could I have some more macaroni and cheese?” Carson asked.
“You certainly can!” Janie said, dabbing at her mouth before she reached for Carson’s plate.
“I’ll get it, Mom,” Daisy said.
“No, you finish eating. I like taking care of my guests. I’ll get it,” Janie said.
“So, tell me, Charlie. What do you do?” Bane asked.
“I’m a civil engineer. I’ve been working with the parish government on updating all the infrastructure in the rural areas of the parish.”
“I see,” Bane said, nodding his head in understanding. “You been at it long?”
“Yes, well, not here long. Moved here for the job and the only thing I’ve managed to get done so far is figure out that it’s like pulling teeth to get anything done.”
“Welcome to Louisiana and her politics. It’s not just this parish,” Bane said.
“Yeah, that’s what I hear. I’m not giving up, though,” Charlie said.
“So, your wife make the move with you?” Bane asked.
“I don’t have a mommy,” Carson said.
“She passed,” Charlie said, his voice softening a little.
“You know what that means, don’t you?” Janie asked, returning to the table with Carson’s plate with fresh macaroni and cheese and another rib on it.
Carson shook his head as he looked at Janie.
“It means that you and your dad have a very special angel in heaven watching over you both.”
“You mean my mommy?” Carson asked.
“That’s right,” Janie said.
Carson sat completely still while he thought about the idea that his mother was in heaven watching over him. “I don’t thinkso,” he finally said as he picked up his fork and started eating again.
“Why don’t you think so?” Janie asked.
“Because if she was watching me, she wouldn’t let the kids be mean to me,” Carson said.
Bane’s jaw twitched.
