Page 151 of The Woman Left Behind

“At the Bon Amie. I’ll make reservations,” Greg decided, then mumbled, “I hope they still have those pork chops.”

“They do,” Harry confirmed.

“Right,” Greg replied. “Say, seven o’clock? Talk to Lillian. Let us know. And if George and Ronetta want to join, they’re welcome.”

Harry nodded.

His dad stood.

And again, Greg didn’t hesitate to hit him with it.

“Love you, boy.”

This was something about his father that always pierced Harry right through the heart.

Greg Moran never let the bullshit ideals of masculinity get in the way of sharing what he was feeling. Josh and Harry always knew they were loved, not only because their father showed it, but because he told them.

He’d noticed Josh did the same with his wife and his kids. His children were young, two and four, but Josh said it, often and with feeling.

And when Harry had people to love, he did too.

“Love you too, Dad,” Harry replied.

That was when Greg treated his son to something else he’d never been stingy with.

A look of unadulterated pride.

And with that, Greg Moran walked out of his boy’s office.

THIRTY-SEVEN

So Harry

Lillian

“This is stupid,” I said nervously into the phone.

“Girl, it is not stupid,” Sherise replied.

I was sitting cross-legged in the middle of my bed, and Harry had texted ten minutes ago saying he’d be home in ten minutes.

The time was nigh for me to abort, if I was going to abort.

Oh Lord.

I totally wanted to abort.

“I think he’s the kind of guy who likes control,” I told Sherise.

“I think he’s the kind of guy who would lasso the moon if you decided you wanted it on a lead, so you need to be very clear to communicate what you want,” Sherise told me, her words making my blood sing and making me forget (for a few seconds) I was in the throes of a panic attack.

It didn’t take long for me to remember my panic attack.

“He’s got a thing about being very clear he’s not taking advantage of me.”

“I love that,” Sherise returned. “Though, I doubt he’ll mind you take advantage of him.”

I was going to say something, but the dogs, who were keeping me company lazing around on the floor by the bed, all shot to their feet, and Smokey let out a low woof.

---