“He's always been so serious and stoic, you know this, son. I think it comes from being the first born. You were always the funny, more emotional charmer, probably because we babied you. You can't fault him for being who he is.”
“I know. At least he opens up to Sienna, she’s always able to get through to him. Anyway, I better go, Ma. Early day tomorrow.”
I give her my usual bear hug and kiss on her head before I head home to my apartment. I decide to shoot a text to Lyra since we haven't spoken since the other night at the bar.
How are you today, Lyra?
I put the phone down and will myself not to check for a response obsessively. After a couple of minutes or so,I check anyway and the hovering little dots are showing she's responding.
I'm good, thanks. I'm not sure how to tell you this though, but Brody has cheated on you
Then a picture comes through of him sitting on the sidewalk on her street with a treat balanced on his nose. I lose it laughing, both at the picture and her delivery of the news. I love her sense of humor.
I'm so sorry I had to be the one to break it to you. He found treats elsewhere
NOOOOO, Brody my pal, you're doing me dirty!!
He ended up playing with my neighbor's dog outside for a bit, and the little girl Gabby there actually got him to balance the treat on his nose.
What about you? What are you up to?
I just got home from having dinner with my mom. Early day tomorrow
That's really nice, sounds like you're a good son
I am totally unashamed of being a mama's boy, haha. She's the best
Ugh, you're going to give me atoothache
I feel like we have momentum, so I decide to dig just a little and ask about her family. She made me curious when she mentioned that she had none around here.
What about your parents? Are they around? Are you close?
The dots appear, stop, reappear, stop again for a minute or two, and I'm worried she might not want to answer. Her response finally comes through, though.
Long story, but the short answer is they're both thankfully alive and well. We're not close, though
You haven't mentioned your dad. What about him?
He passed away 10 years ago. Pancreatic cancer
The gut punch as I type those words will never not hurt. It takes a few minutes for her to respond.
Shit, I am so incredibly sorry, Taran. Is that what you meant when you mentioned Carlo helping you through the worst time of your life?
Yeah, he was really there for me
I’m glad you had him
Me too. Hey, hopefully I'll be in your neighborhood tomorrow and can say hi to you and my favorite cheating dog
He'd like that. I think he prefers your treats
Are...are we still talking about the dog?
You miss me too, Lyra?
Don't let it go to your head, but maybe...
