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“Well, whatever you were talking about,” his mother continues, wagging her finger at us, “it’s rude to have a private conversation at the dinner table.”
“Sorry,” we reply, once again in unison.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Jon’s parents—they were quite literally lifesavers for me—but it’s odd being parented as a grown man when I was never parented as a child.
“Are you all right, Brenden?” Jon’s mom asks, her forehead creasing as she leans in. “You’ve been so quiet all evening.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve been so wrapped up in work lately,” I explain, rubbing my temple. “I recently found out they need me to take on another school because their current counselor is going on leave. I’ve been reviewing some of the case files they sent me, and I’m a little nervous about a few of them.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way. You always have. I think it’s so wonderful you chose to go into counseling. I’m so dang proud of you,” she gushes, her smile causing her blue eyes to shine. “You’ve become such an exceptional young man.”
“Thank you, Patricia. That means a lot coming from you.” I return her smile but avert my eyes.
Patricia means a lot to me, as does the fact that she treats me like her own son. I can’t even imagine how different my life might’ve been if I had a mother like her instead of an absent alcoholic, but sometimes we must go through the bad to get to the good. Our scars—the physical and emotional ones—can be a road map leading us to our destiny.
If my life was easier growing up, I might not have chosen a career helping kids, and I love what I do.
Patricia reaches across the table for my hand, squeezing it and pulling my stare back to her. She regards me with a tilt of her head, her eyes softening.
Emotion bubbles up inside me, and I’m thankful she knows me well enough to know it’s time to move on; because she quickly releases my hand before turning her attention to Jon.
“Now, Jon,” she starts, placing her elbow on the table, her chin resting on her hand. “Let’s talk about when you’re going to settle down and give me some grandbabies. You two can’t live like bachelors forever.”
Jon moans and looks to me for help, but I just laugh as she continues.
He could tell her the truth. His mother would be thrilled to know he’s in love with Allison. His parents adore her. Patricia already considers her family.
As I watch Jon squirm from his mother’s interrogation, a strange feeling falls over me. Looking up, I find the source: a pair of green orbs, glued on me.
My lips curve into a smile, my gaze locking on hers.
Lizzy’s eyes widen at the realization she’s been caught, her cheeks turning a bright red as she bites down on her bottom lip. Her gaze falls to the floor before she rushes to the exit, leaving me fighting the same pull I felt as she walked away the day before.
