Page 141 of Champagne Nights

“That’s okay. Another time sounds great. I usually run around seven if you’re ever in the area.”

“Thanks, Ben.”

“Bye, Paisley.”

I was disappointed. Maybe it was better that I didn’t have company tomorrow. What was I thinking? Her husband died next to her while they were running, and I just asked her to join me. She told me that she hadn’t run outside since, and like a fool, I asked her anyway. My phone started ringing and interrupted my deep thoughts. When I picked it up, it was my mom calling. I had been waiting for this call all day.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, honey. Your dad and I were wondering if you’d like to go to San Diego with us tomorrow and go into that vintage furniture shop. Maybe you could get some ideas, and then we can go to dinner.”

I knew what they were trying to do, and they meant well, but I wasn’t going anywhere.

“Thanks, Mom, but the answer is no. I just want to stay home.”

“How about if I get Finn and Olivia to go with us?”

“No. Thank you, though, for trying. I’ll be fine. Please just let me be for the day.”

“Ben,” she said in a soft voice.

“Mom, stop. I have to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”

I hung up the phone and lay down on the couch. Before I knew it, I was sound asleep.

Paisley

After I left the office, I drove straight to my parents’ house. I don’t know why. I didn’t have anything special to say or do there, but I just didn’t feel like going straight home.

“Hey, Mom.” I smiled as I walked through the back door.

“Paisley. What a nice surprise. What are you doing here?”

“I just thought I’d stop by.”

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Everything’s fine. Does something need to be wrong to come over?”

“No. Of course not. It’s just that you haven’t voluntarily dropped by in ages. Would you like some coffee?” She smiled.

“Thanks. I would love some.”

As soon as I took a seat on the stool, Keaton walked into the kitchen.

“Paisley?” he said as he kissed my cheek. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

“Why do you all keep asking me that? Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to come over.”

“Why?” he asked with a disturbed look on his face.

“Keaton!” my mom yelled.

“Where’s Brielle?”

“I’m picking her up in a while. We’re going to dinner.”

“Oh. Why don’t you take her to that new club that just opened up downtown? Oh yeah, I forgot – she’s not old enough to get in.”

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