Page 56 of Love By The Falls

“They’ll email you a bill.”

“I don’t want an email. I want the bill.”

I drop my head in my hands and blow out a breath. I’ve been over this so many times with my parents, but they still don’t get it. But my parents have done so much for me. I would keep making the effort.

“Let’s get your phone, and I’ll show you again.”

“Fine,” he grumbles.

*

I stay longer than I intended at my parents’ house, so by the time I pull into the driveway, Charlie and I only have ten minutes to change before we must leave for dinner.

I run my fingers across the dresses and blouses in my closet and pick a black blouse and dark blue jeans to wear. My hair is hopeless, so I pull it up into a loose bun. It looks messy but stylish, and I don’t hate it.

I also don’t bother with makeup because there isn’t much time and grab a lipstick to put on while I wait for the car to warm up.

“Charlie, it’s time to go,” I shout down the hall.

Sage walks out of her room and looks at me. “You’re looking a little pale. Are you sure you’re still up for dinner withhimtonight?”

“I’d rather watch movies in my PJs, but it’s best to get this over with. I’m sure Jason will be bored soon and remember why he never wanted children.”

“You know, it’s not a bad thing if he took more of an interest. Then maybe he would feel guilty about not paying child support.”

This is a contentious issue between us. I wanted nothing to do with Jason after he left, not even legally.But as Charlie grows and wants to join sports teams, it is becoming more and more expensive. “You’re right. I will bring that up after dinner when Charlie’s not around.”

“Good.”

Charlie walks to the front door and grabs his jacket from the coat rack. “See you later, Aunt Sage.”

She pulls him in for a hug. “See you later, buddy.”

Surprisingly, Jason is already at the restaurant when Charlie and I show up. The hostess takes us to his table, and he stands to greet us.

“Hi Charlie,” he says, then looks up at me. “Thanks for coming.”

“Hello, Mr. Miller,” says Charlie, taking a seat opposite Jason.

“Please, call me…” he turns to me, and I shake my head slightly. Then he looks back at Charlie. “Call me Jason.”

Charlie nods and picks up the menu. “I’m starving. Can I order an appetizer, Mom?”

“Charlie,” I begin, but Jason cuts me off.

“Tonight’s my treat, and I think you should.”

Charlie’s eyes light up as he runs his finger down the appetizer list.

Leaning back in his seat with a grin on his face, Jason looks at me. “How have you been?”

“Fine, thank you.”

“I see you’re still at the same elementary school.”

“Yes. Charlie goes there, so it works for me. How about you? Still working for the same law firm?”

He takes a sip of his drink, rum and coke if he’s sticking to an old favorite. “Eleven years next month.”

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