The doorbell rang and Lilene’s family flooded into the small house. The men all hunkered around the television, and the women overflowed the kitchen, talking and cackling louder than his hens at feeding time.
Kids played on the floor in the living room, while a group of others went outside to throw a football.
Mike was thankful that the house had filled up, making it less awkward to be in the same space with Vanessa.
Vanessa walked out of the kitchen with a tray of piping-hot sausage balls. Carrying the tray, she introduced herself and distributed the tasty snacks. “We’ve got more in the kitchen. Take a couple,” she’d say. Everyone in the room seemed captivatedby the Chicago woman. That had been his first impression too, but he wouldn’t fall for those misleading cues again—the sweet smile and the way she lowered her lashes when she spoke. She wasn’t as nice as she looked.
She set the half-empty tray on the table behind the sofa. “Can you reach these, Norman?”
“Oh yeah. I’ve got my eye on them. Thanks.”
She patted Norman on the shoulder as she walked by.
Mike got up and got a beer out of the cooler. He popped the top with a loudschhhpt,then took a couple of refreshing guzzles. Hopefully, the ale would take the edge off.
He’d been so busy watching Vanessa walk out of the room that he’d missed the final winning play of the game. Every other guy in the room was now on his feet cheering. He let out a whoop for good measure.
A few minutes later Lilene stepped out of the kitchen, stuck her fingers in her mouth, and gave one of her famous whistles.
As a kid, Mike had once believed Lilene could shatter glasses with the high-pitched whistle if she tried. Or maybe it had been his dad that had said it. He couldn’t really remember. That was one skill he’d never perfected.
Lilene motioned her arms in a big air hug. “Y’all gather around. That ball game ended at just the right time, and thankfully our men will be in a very good mood all afternoon… unlike last year.” She glared in Norman’s direction. “You know what I’m talking about.” Everyone laughed. “Dinner is ready. There are enough seats for everyone and a couple of extras so no one bellyaches about not being able to sit where they want. I think everyone has met my special guest, Vanessa. Welcome to our family gathering. We’re so thankful to have you-all here.”
“Thank you.” Vanessa’s cheeks slightly blushed.
Lilene tiptoed, looking around the room. “Uncle Sonny, will you bless the food?”
“Sure thing.” He raised his hand in the air and stepped forward closer to the food.
Everyone got quiet and Uncle Sonny began the blessing as he did every year. Mike missed having Misty at his side. He’d have to get more used to that. Man, she was growing up fast. A tear tickled his lash. He ignored it, squeezing his eyes tighter as Uncle Sonny continued the blessing and a long list of things they all should be thankful for—the meal, health, family. Then forgiveness. “Especially when it’s hard,” Sonny said. “Forgiveness is a great way to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving.”
Like one of those days when he was sitting in the pew when the preacher said something that felt like it had been directed toward him, a pang shot through him.Forgiveness?And here he was carrying around anger over his mom’s retirement package.
I could be grateful that the forced retirement would make her slow down. I’ve been on her about that for over two years.
But somehow it seemed wrong for some stranger with no vested interest to force the situation. He lifted his head to look Vanessa’s way. Everyone joined in an enthusiastic “amen.”
He hung back, letting the others load up their plates first. Lilene always made enough to feed everyone three times over and still have leftovers, so there was no rush.
Vanessa’s lively laugh carried in from the other room.
He waited, watching to see where she’d sit before picking a spot himself.
She sat to the right of Lilene.
He picked up a plate and started filling it, planning to goback into the living room, where most of the guys were gorging themselves during the next football game.
“Mike,” Norman called out before he got out of the room. “Saved you a seat in here, man.”
He let his eyes close for a half second.Just that far from getting away clean.He turned with a smile. “Great.” He took the seat at the table, and placed his napkin in his lap, trying to keep his gaze toward Norman and not across the way where Vanessa was sitting.
Lilene’s mother placed her hand on Mike’s arm. “I’m so sorry I won’t get to see that sweet little girl of yours this year.”
Mike nodded. “She’s not so little anymore.”
“Well, little girls are always their daddy’s little girl. How old is she now?”
“Sixteen going on thirty-two.”
