Page 9 of Echoes of a Southern Song

Mom picks up her basket again. “Well, if you want to talk...”

“I know.”

“All right, I’ll pick up my basket later,” Mom says. “I made cucumber salad for lunch. And I’ve got some fresh bread to go with it.”

“Honey on toast,” Dad says with a grin.

I manage a small smile. “Sounds good.”

I help Mom set out the food while Dad slices the bread. The scent of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen. It’s comforting, familiar, and for a moment, I let myself sink into it.

We eat in companionable silence for a while, the occasional clink of utensils against plates the only sound. But I can feel their eyes on me, their unspoken questions hanging in the air between us. They want to pry, but they are doing their best not to.

Finally, Dad clears his throat. “Are you sure everything’s okay? You seem off.”

I shrug, picking at my salad. “Just a lot on my mind.”

“You know you can talk to us about anything, right?” Mom says.

I nod, but the words stick in my throat. How do I tell them that their daughter made a reckless decision that’s now coming back to haunt her? That I’m tied to a man who doesn’t want to let me go, even though he walked away? That I’ve been keeping this secret from them because I didn’t want to disappoint them?

They warned me and I went and did it anyway.

“I’m fine.” I smile. “I took a nap before coming over. It wasn’t long enough and too long at the same time.”

Dad nods like he understands. I go back to my salad, which is really good.

I should have told them about Sam from the beginning. They would’ve helped. But this is my mistake to own and fix on my own.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I quickly check it, hoping it might be the attorney.

Jack: Dinner tonight?

I feel relief washing over me. He still wants to see me.

Me: Yes. Please.

I slip the phone back into my pocket and find myself smiling for real this time.

“Was that from your young man?” Mom asks.

“It was. He’s taking me to dinner tonight.”

“That’s nice,” she says, with a hint of curiosity. “He’s been coming around a lot lately.”

Dad grunts, slicing another piece of bread. “Seems like a good kid.”

“We like him, Jinnie. He’s been good for you.”

I feel my cheeks flush again and focus on my plate. “Yeah, he’s great.”