Page 38 of The Attercop

The driver pulled into the parking lot of a nearby restaurant. Charlie reached for the door handle and jumped out, trying to figure out which way to run.

Thank you for totally ruining my perfect birthday. But I won’t give you the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

Charlie felt a hand on his shoulder. “Please,” Declan started, “let me explain.”

Charlie froze in spite of the levels of adrenaline coursing through his body. What he wanted to do was shout and pound his fists on something.

“Please,” Declan said softly.

Charlie just stood there. When he finally could move, he turned to look at Declan.

“I had a call from your mom the other day. She asked me if I thought you’d be willing to come to their place for dinner.She wanted to celebrate your birthday, together, as a family—including me…and your father. She also asked me not to tell you because she was certain you’d refuse to come. For some reason she’s under the impression that you’re stubborn. She said you get that from your father.

“I know I should have told you. I realise now that it was a bad idea to spring it on you like this. I’m just asking you to do it. For your family. For me.”

Charlie stared into Declan’s eyes and saw only love. He felt his heart-rate slow. His breathing returned to normal.

“Maybe,” Declan said, “if I can mend fences with my father, you can too. What do you say? Will you give it a try? I’ll be right there by your side.”

Charlie took a deep breath and nodded.

“Good. Shall we?” Declan said, indicating the open car door.

“Fine,” Charlie replied. “But if anything goes wrong, we leave right away.”

“Deal.”

They got back in the car. “Sorry for that,” Charlie said to the driver. “My shit-fit’s over, and I’m sure my date will adequately compensate you for the delay.”

“No problem, buddy. Two weeks ago, I had a young couple in my car who had a fight and one of them tried to jump out while I was driving down the Deerfoot Trail.”

Charlie took Declan’s hand in his. He was determined to make this work.

“What’s your folks’ favourite drink?” Declan asked.

“Mom and Gran like red wine, and dad, uh…Scotch. Not sure what kind.”

“That’s what I figured. I’ve got something I’m sure he’ll like.”

“So that’s what’s in that bag you’ve been carrying,” Charlie said. “You came prepared.”

Declan grinned. “Always best when you’re heading into battle.”

Charlie gave him a playful smack, then asked, “Mom didn’t say what she was cooking, did she?”

“No, nothing specific, although she did say it was your favourite.”

Charlie could smell it now—roast beef, scalloped potatoes and mashed turnip.

Within minutes, the car slowed and pulled up in front of the house. Declan thanked the driver and the two of them paused outside for a moment before heading to the door. Declan took Charlie’s hand and they walked up together. The side door popped open before they got there. Charlie’s mom poked her head out.

“Perfect timing, you two.” She grabbed Charlie and gave him a big hug and a kiss. “Happy birthday, Charlie.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

The greeting was interrupted by Gran who called out from the top of the stairs, “Don’t hog him all to yourself, Maggie.”

Charlie ran up to give his grandmother a hug. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his mother embracing Declan.