Page 69 of Southern Comfort
Handing the bags over, I watch their reactions. So do the B Boys.
“Cool! I love those gummies,” Bing says, eyeing the top item. “Thanks.”
Landon has an amused look on his face. It’s so cute.
“Are those Twizzlers I see?”
“You said they were your favorites when you were a kid.”
I get a sweet look for that one. He is impressed I listened to the little things he has said.
“I know what I got. Right?” Hunter asks.
“Of course. I know your tastes best.” I count on my fingers. “Black licorice only. No red. Sunflower seeds in the shell. Peanut butter cups. Not the little ones. You each have some of those. As well as oranges and apples.”
“It’s only a four hour trip, Mom!”
“Yeah? I bet you break into it five minutes after you drive away.”
The protest fails to make an impression, because I know my boy, Dominique’s son, and my man too. All three like the gesture. It’s all over the faces.
“Let’s get going. It’s almost nine. Thanks, Kim. That was nice of you. Bye, Dad! I’ll be back Sunday late afternoon.”
“Have a good trip!”
I’m happy with myself as the boys lead the way out. Landon and I follow to the porch. Hunter and Bing load the last of their supplies and climb into the VW. How the next minute plays out will be interesting. Landon might hold back because of Hunter. Just as Hunter held back because of him. But no. Wrapping me in an embrace, he gives me a kiss. On the lips. Not a peck and not involving tongue. Just a real kiss. Yes, love. Let’s be our authentic selves, as much as possible. I have always told Hunter as much, so I will follow my own advice.
“Bye, babe,” Landon says, turning away. “Don’t worry about the guys. It’s all gonna be fine.”
“God I hope so. Call me tonight!”
“If you or Dad need anything you can always call Lex or Layton. No matter what time it is. Any of the guys.”
He climbs in the truck and gets settled. The engine starts.
“We’ll be fine. Ronnie and I are going for a ride this afternoon.”
I leave out the part where I tell him who will be driving.
“Great! He will love that.”
With a wave and two honks, the truck leads the way. Memphis bound.
Sunlight settles on my shoulders as we walk to the garage. A leisurely trip with the healing man and dog in mind. Dolly brings up the rear, where she can keep an eye on us.
“I think it’s very clever of your girl. She can come along without us looking at her.”
“You talking about my little Dolly? Hear your name, girl? She’s a good girl, she is.”
Ohhh. So adorable of him.
“You’re a big softie, underneath this bear thing you’re going for.”
My fingers comb an imaginary Santa beard. He rolls his eyes.
“Don’t get any ideas you’re driving.”
“Where did that come from?”
