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“How do you know it’s me?”
“Because I’m a woman, Lucas. And I know you. You’re my son and I love you, but your track record—”
“Stinks.”
“Putting it mildly.”
I caught the amusement in her tone, but her face still showed her concern.
“I wanted her to come to Los Angeles with me…I thought it would be a great opportunity for us both…”
“Of course. There’s lots of opportunities there for someone like Abbie.”
“Which she didn’t get.”
She looked at me appraisingly. “What did you say?”
I let out a deep breath. “That there were lots of diners out there…”
Her face fell. “Oh, Lucas…”
You didn’twas the unsaid second half of that particular sentence. She shook her head, and I caught her annoyance in her tone loud and clear.
“I didn’t think, Mom. The words were there and out of my mouth before I could stop them.”
The food arrived at that moment, and she didn’t look delighted with the interruption. I was. I dove straight into my food while she picked at hers.
I caught her glancing at her phone off to the side. “Don’t even.”
“Don’t what?”
“Contact Abbie. This isn’t elementary school.”
“I wasn’t thinking of it.”
“Good. I’m an adult.”
“As you keep saying.” She gave me a half smile. “We’ll figure this out.”
I played with the napkin on the table. “I think you should take the ring back.”
“I’ll do no such thing.” She shook her head. “That’s your ring. Your future.”
Not so much.
I thought I had a girl once I could see forever with, and now that’s long gone.
“Mom...” I wanted to pinch the bridge of my nose. “I’m not being stubborn. I’m being realistic. I’m about to move cross-country. Dating is going to be the last thing on my mind for at least a couple of years while I get situated and work my ass off out there. I don’t need that ring sitting around reminding me I’m a failure.”
“Did you ever propose?”
“No.”
“Then you aren’t a failure because she never turned down your proposal.”
Her logic almost made sense for a scary moment.
“I’m not dating.”
