AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The Parises live on Long Island. They have a long drive ahead of them.
Jackson comes in a moment later with his father.
His black eye looks worse than it did yesterday, which means it’s healing.
“Hey, Mandy Cake.” Then he widens his eyes. “I mean…Mandy.”
“Mandy Cake is fine. You call me whatever you want to, Jackson. I’m just so glad you’re okay.”
He inhales. “What smells so good?”
“My mom’s famous chicken soup. Without homemade noodles, though.”
“I can get some at the deli with homemade noodles if you prefer,” Noreen says.
“No, Mandy’s chicken soup is great. I can’t wait to have a big bowlful. Thank you, Mandy.”
“It’s ready whenever you are.”
“I’m going to make myself comfortable in the extra bedroom,” Noreen says. “Bill, would you get my bag from the car?”
“Yes, dear.” Bill heads out the door.
“Mom, you don’t have to stay here.”
“Nonsense. Of course I’m going to stay here. You’ll be needing some help.”
“I can stay,” I say.
“Don’t you have a dog at home?” Noreen says.
“I do, but he loves Jackson. I’ll just go get him. If Jackson needs someone here, I’m happy to do it.”
“Please, I’m his mother. This is my job.”
She’s right, of course. “I understand.” I gather my laptop and my purse. “Jack, you know where I am if you need me.”
He turns then, grabs my forearm. “Mandy. Please don’t leave.”
“Of course I’ll stay if you want me to.”
“At least have a bowl of soup with me.”
“All right.” I walk to his kitchen, grab two bowls out of the cupboard, and then turn to his parents. “Noreen? Bill? Would you like to try some soup?”
“No, thank you,” Noreen says. “And Bill will be getting on the road as soon as he brings my bag up.”
“Okay.” I ladle two bowls for Jackson and me and bring them over to his dining room table. “Do you want yours on a tray? So you can eat on the couch?” I ask Jack.
“No. I can sit at the table. I’m fine, you guys. Really.”
He sits down, and I serve his soup with a spoon and a napkin.
“I’m just so glad you’re okay, Jack. I was worried sick. I don’t know what I would do without my best friend.”
He touches my forearm again, and I try to ignore the tingles that shoot through me.
“Mandy, you will never know the answer to that question.”
