I automatically gave him a hug. “Your son has been very busy fixing our supper. I think you’re in for a treat.”
A few minutes later, we were all seated in the dining room. I soon realized I was tense again, and I found myself rearranging the salt and pepper shakers for no apparent reason. I was sure Stan Sr. wondered about my behavior because he reached out to me with his eyes. They held the same concern and caring I often saw in Stanley’s eyes.
It was a pivotal moment for me, one in which I decided that no matter what Barbara thought, a tender heart lay beneath her husband’s sometimes gruff attitude. After that my stress faded, and I allowed myself to enjoy the dinner Stanley made. The Bickermans acted as if they felt like me. Both of them paid attention to the food instead of each other. Both complimented Stanley on the delicious meal he’d prepared.
None of us thought we had room for dessert. However, with a little persuasion, we all had a sampling of eggnog ice cream. Stanley served the sweet treat in bowls I didn’t recognize. Each had a featured nostalgic holiday scene with a one-word festive message.
“Stanley, where did you find these bowls?” I asked.
He winked back. “They were in a box, hidden deep in one of the upper cupboards.”
I glanced around the table. Barbara’s bowl had the word, HOPE on it. Stan Sr.’s bowl was labeled LOVE. Stanley’s featured JOY, and mine was PEACE.
Afterwards, as we sipped tea and coffee, Barbara gave her husband a quick glance and spoke up. “Stan and I talked, and I’ve decided to return home. However, we’re going to look for a marriage counselor.” She stared down at her empty, ice cream bowl. “Hopefully, it will be a step towards a better relationship.”
Stan Sr. didn’t comment, but I noticed how he let out a heavy breath. I’m not able to say for sure, but I think it was a relieved breath. In my case, I felt my shoulders suddenly relax.
Twenty-One
STANLEY AND I slept in the next morning. It was Sunday, and both of us were ready for a day free of family problems. I didn’t think we were asking too much, but a call from my Mom proved otherwise. She and Adam had another argument, and she sounded upset. She also said that Adam decided to spend his day visiting a cousin in a nearby town.
After Mom’s phone call, I stood in the kitchen, fixing a cup of tea. Stanley unloaded the dishwasher. Neither of us had much to say to each other. A knock at the front door and my brother letting himself in, roused Ben from sniffing around the kitchenfloor. It’s something he often does after we’ve had a dinner with friends or relatives. One time, he located a tidbit of cheese that must have fallen off a charcuterie board. Ever since, he explores every inch of the floor after a big dinner.
My brother’s voice put Ben on alert, and he ran to the foyer. Stanley and I followed. I was happy to see Jack. After exchanging greetings, we all went back to the kitchen. At first Jack was quiet, but intent on pouring himself a mug of coffee. With mug in hand, he sat down at the table.
I was the first to ask my brother about his unexpected visit. “Is everything alright with Mitzi and little Jackie?”
“They’re fine,” he said. “It’s Mom I’m concerned about. I called her earlier and asked her and Adam to dinner this evening. She not only refused the invite, she sniffled throughout the conversation. I came here because you always seem to know what’s going on, Gloria.”
Stanley and I sat down at the table too. “I don’t know much about the current situation,” I said, “but Mom and Adam did have an argument before Thanksgiving. I thought they patched things up, but from what Mom said today, they’re quarreling again.”
“I see,” Jack said as he sipped his coffee.
“There’s something else,” I announced.
Jack looked up and frowned. “Spit it out, sis.”
I glanced at Stanley and back at Jack. “I didn’t want to say anything, but after Mom’s first argument with Adam, she seemed confused about her feelings regarding Dad. They’ve been spending a lot of time together since Dad bought his house.”
Jack repeated his earlier words. “I see.”
After his short comment, the three of us remained silent. Jack finally spoke up.
“I don’t know if I should say anything, but—“ He paused and averted his eyes.
“What? What is it?” I asked.
“I’ve been talking to Dad, and—“ He paused again, gave me a funny look and continued. “Here’s a bit of news.”
Jack rarely shares anything. So when he delivered his statement about a “bit of news,” my hand tightened on my tea cup. I went on alert, sort of like Ben when the doorbell rings. My mind rushed ahead, making a mad dash to some unknown event. “Go on, Jack,” I demanded.
“Dad has started seeing someone. I don’t think it’s serious, but I can tell Dad really likes the person he’s dating.”
I scowled in protest. “He didn’t say anything to me!”
“Gloria, as I told you a while back, Dad and I have talked to each other for a long time. It started out when I got into sports in high school. Through the years, our friendship and conversations have grown to include whatever is happening in our lives.”
What Jack didn’t say was that I took a different approach with my father. As an adult, my world centered around a career and little else. I felt certain I didn’t need the advice of others, including my Dad’s advice. And I certainly wasn’t interested in day-to-day chitchat. I was all business until my world started to fall apart.
