“Sorry about earlier,” he said before taking a drink. “Ruth had five children to mother and she can’t resist the urge to take on more.”
I stared down at my plate. Had I looked so uneasy that Ares thought he had to apologize? “She was fine. It wasn’t anything she said. I was thinking about my mother.”
“Brenda told us about your parents,” Ares said kindly. “They’re the losers here. Families come in all shapes, Nick. Found families are no less real than ones you were born into.”
I appreciated his concern, but why did people feel I needed their sympathy. “I have a new family. The Grant’s took me in years ago. This is about not being able to save my mom. She’s stuck in an abusive relationship and I’m not in a position to help.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mother,” Ares said. “Hopefully you’ll be able to help her one day.”
“Maybe sooner than later,” I said. “I’m planning to open an account for Mom with the award money I receive. Not sure it will be enough to get her out, but it’s a good start.”
“You’re a wonderful son, Nick. Any sane person would be so proud to be your parent.”
I’d only met Brenda’s parents once before, but from how she spoke of them, they were close to my ideal parents. Hearing Ares tell me he’d be proud of me gave me a warm feeling inside. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I nodded, unsure of what to say next. Ares studied me for a moment.
“You remind me of myself when I was your age,” he said thoughtfully.
That was random. I was a skinny twig and he was the base of a mighty oak. “How so?”
“Trying to find your footing in a world full of people who seem to have it all figured out.”
I had no idea what he was going to say, but that was unexpected. “Is it that obvious?”
“Only to someone who’s been there.” He leaned back in his chair. “Let me tell you a secret: most of them are faking it.”
“Even you?”
“At your age, yes.” He smiled fondly. “Then I met and married Ruth. Having her support help me see things clearer.”
I immediately thought of Henry. His steady presence grounded me and made me want to do more. “I can’t say I knew that was the secret, but I’ve wanted to find my soulmate for years.”
Ares raised his eyebrows slightly and I wondered if I’d said something wrong. “You think Henry is your soul mate?”
His reaction to my statement wasn’t a confidence booster. “I don’t know yet. We’ve only been dating a short time, but so far he’s pretty great. Henry treats me like I matter.”
“As well he should.” Ares smiled kindly. “You’ve got something special. A genuineness that’s rare. Henry would be a fool to let you get away.”
I’d heard variations of those words after each failed dating attempt. For reasons I couldn’t explain, I believed it this time. Still, I couldn’t fully embrace the sentiment. “I don’t know about that. I’m the lucky one.”
“Why? Because he has money?”
I almost asked if he was blind, but I realized I was talking to a straight man. “That’s one reason. He’s also one of the best looking men I’ve met. I still can’t figure out what he sees in me.”
Ares laughed, and it didn’t help my low self-esteem. “I’m sorry, but you’re so wrong. Ruth suggested you were dating down in the looks department.”
“Whatever,” I said rolling my eyes.
“If you don’t believe me, let’s go ask her together.”
I sucked at poker and couldn’t tell if he was bluffing. Not that it mattered either way. Ruth had that whole mother vibe towardme, which made her biased. “No, I don’t think I’ll embarrass myself in front of everyone today.”
“Smart kid.” Ares made eye contact with me and held my gaze. “Remember, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Henry’s lucky too.”
For the second time in our short conversation, Ares made me believe things others had said many times, but I hadn’t listened. The doubt weighing me down lifted. “Thank you, Ares. I appreciate that.”
