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He shifts his attention to the sky and the clouds passing by. "Around the same time your dad died, I had to admit my wife to a psychiatric hospital. This tough decision harmed my relationship with my kids. Both my son and daughter despised me for it and shunned me from their lives. They pushed me out of their life without giving me the chance to clarify why I did what I did. So I understand your mom's desperate desire to explain."
I stare at my empty palms. To me, Jeremy has been my rock throughout my childhood. To discover that his children cut him from their lives is unimaginable. The image of Samantha being that mad at me makes me nauseous. If that took place, I would do anything for a chance to explain.
This sudden revelation hits me. Dammit.
I brush my hand over my face. My running away from the diner wasn't the correct decision. It happened because I've been avoiding my mother's calls. She wanted someone to hear her, so she reached out to the woman closest to me, Alisha.
"Thank you, Jeremy,"
"For what?" he asks, placing the coin back in his coffee-colored pants pocket.
"You followed my stubborn ass and made me see that dwelling in anger only keeps this situation in a vacuum."
"That's your conclusion, my friend." He pats his hand on my knee. "Just remember, the more anger you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of love. And you've got two amazing women in your life who adore you, and they deserve all your love. So go home and apologize to Alisha, because that woman loves you with her whole feisty personality. And when the time is right for you, give your mom a chance to explain because, like us, she's a human being who makes mistakes."
I grab Jeremy's hand and squeeze it. "For what it’s worth, I've always seen you as my second dad. Your presence in my childhood made a tremendous difference, and I'm grateful you were there. I hope your children will reconnect with you."
Jeremy's face gets a sentimental expression as he nods. "Thank you, Cole. I've always treated you like a second son. And to update you, my daughter reached out to me two months ago. She's living in Canada and has a family and said she wants to restore our relationship."
Jeremy rises and brushes off his clothing. I stand up as well and grin at the little boy who's back playing the piano.
"Cole, there is something else I'd like to ask you."
I alter my attention back to him and find him fumbling with the collar of his shirt.
"Of course."
Jeremy clears his throat, and after a deep inhale, he speaks. "I understand this might come as a surprise, but I'd like your permission to ask your mother out on a date."
My mouth falls agape at his words. This is the last thing I'd expected to hear.
"What I'm saying is that your mom and I have become closer through the years."
My nose cringes, and Jeremy rolls his eyes.
"No, not in that way, young man. Nothing happened between us, but we both changed, and I—"
I place my hands on Jeremy's shoulders, causing his eyes to meet mine. "No need to explain, and you sure don't need my approval to ask my mom out, Jeremy. But if you prefer my opinion. If anyone can handle my mother, it's you."
His eyes gleam as he lets out his roaring laughter. "Yeah, I can handle her."
Without further words, we stroll back through the street. As we pass a food truck, I stop and buy us both a hotdog. We continue walking back to the store, but by the time we arrive, they’re closed.
"Need a lift?"
"That would be great."
"Come with me. I parked in the next street."
Jeremy and I continue our walk, but my eyes latch onto a police car, standing midway as we turn the corner. As we get closer, it's obvious whose car that they're inspecting.
"Pardon me," I say, halting next to one officer.
He spins around and smiles. "Good day, sir. Are you the owner of this car?"
"Yes, I am." When I want to ask what's going on, I see the shattered side window. I take out my wallet and hand my driver’s license to the police officer, who examines it. "What happened?"
"Someone broke into your car. We received a call from a resident in this street that a car alarm was going off. They saw someone running away. Was there anything of value lying insight?"
