Page 43 of Tango

“I had a best friend once,” he joked. “We had good times together. I just don’t understand why he won’t talk to me anymore.”

“Oh, please,” I waved his sarcasm off, “this is every psychologist’s dream.” I stopped whispering quickly as Ty’s parents put their menus down and turned their attention back on us.

“Please, Ivy, tell us all about yourself.” Richard was just as eager to talk to me as Connie was. I spent a few minutes and gave them the gist while they sipped their coffee. I was sure to skip over the part where I lived just up the road.

“She’s lovely, smart, and beautiful,” Connie confirmed to Richard. “I can see why our boy is so captivated.”

Shelly caught my eye as she leaned back and mouthed, “Don’t say too much.” I understood. I would want Ty to be with me anyway if we were to share anything personal.

“Where is Ty?”

“He’s training,” Moore cut in. “Ivy and I needed to make a stop at the military camp nearby. We came in town for a quick lunch.”

I caught Connie’s face slip in disappointment, but she pushed it back into a smile. “Of course. I know how busy you all are.”

“Do you happen to know when he’ll be in town next?” Richard wrapped an arm around his wife’s chair to provide some comfort.

My stomach twisted into a knot in sympathy. It was obvious these people had moved across the country—to a mountain town, no less—where they probably didn’t know a soul just to maybe catch a glimpse of their son on occasion. There would have been a time when I’d have given anything for my father to even want to be in the same room with me.

“I’m really not—”

I cut Moore off. “We might be at Zack’s for dinner in a few days.” I wanted to soothe their hearts. What was the harm? “Shelly, I’ll text you when, and maybe we can all meet up.”

“That would be cool.” She smiled warmly then glanced nervously at her watch.

“We’d love that. Thank you.” Connie placed her hand over mine. “Is he doing okay? Does he need anything? We could do him up a care package.”

“Mom,” Shelly rolled her eyes but took pity on her and patted her arm, “I’m sure he’s got everything.”

“I think he’s fine right now,” I gave her hand a pat, “but I’ll let you know if I think of anything.”

“Right, of course.” She sat back and let out a heavy sigh, then smiled. “Maybe we should send him Binkie.” Connie winked at Shelly.

“Mother!” Shelly looked horrified.

“I’m sorry, who?” I pressed my lips together.

“Oh, yeah,” Moore snickered, “I’m going to be buried alive.”

“Hush, you.” I hit his shoulder. “Binkie?” I repeated, and Shelly had to turn in her seat as she started to laugh.

“His childhood blanket. It had a little la-la-phant,” Shelly used air quotes, “in the middle. More commonly referred to as Binkie.”

I covered my mouth, just so happy. “It’s like Christmas morning.”

Everyone broke into laughter, and we carried on in fun for another few minutes until Shelly stood and said they had to go and catch the bus that was to take them up to the ski hill.

Connie hugged me. “You take care of my boy.”

“I will. I promise.” I hugged Richard. Shelly hung back a bit while her parents put on their coats. Moore made a motion that he’d be back and walked with them.

“I’ll be right out, Mom,” she called. “He’s going to kill us.” She shook her head with a laugh. “I just hope this won’t push him farther away. He’s not comfortable sharing his life with us.”

“I’ll do my best to do damage control.”

“I know my parents can be a lot, but it’s for a good reason.”

“Yeah?” I dug. I wasn’t overly proud of it, but this family could use some healing.

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