Page 38 of In Another Time

“I don’t mind helping,” Omir said with a grin.

She shook her head, smiling. “Well, aren’t you polite. Lennox could take notes.”

“Mom,” I groaned, rolling my eyes.

Omir chuckled, his gaze flicking to me for a brief moment before he carried the dishes to the sink.

After the table was cleared and the kitchen tidied, Omir grabbed his coat. I followed him to the door, feeling a mix of emotions I couldn’t quite place. As we stepped onto the porch, I turned to him. “Thanks for today. Really. It meant a lot to me and my mom.”

He nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I’m glad I could be here. Your mom’s amazing, by the way. That mac and cheese? Top-tier.”

I laughed softly. “I told you.” We stood there for a moment, the cold afternoon air wrapping around us. I glanced at him, unsure of what to say. “You really helped take our minds off everything today,” I said quietly. “It’s been. . . a lot. So, thank you again.”

His eyes softened as he looked at me. Silence settled between us, heavy and charged. For a moment, I was reminded of the times we’d spent together and of all the unspoken feelings that lingered between us. Before I could think better of it, he stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine. I looked up at him, and our eyes locked. The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch and then he kissed me.

It was deep, passionate, and raw, like all the emotions we’d been suppressing came rushing to the surface. I felt my knees weaken, my heart racing as his hands gently cupped my face. When he finally pulled away, we were both breathless. He stared at me for a moment, his expression a mix of longing and regret. “I shouldn’t have done that. My fault.” I swallowed hard, fighting back the lump in my throat. There was a long pause before he spoke again. “I should go.”

I nodded, stepping back toward the door. “Take care, Omir.”

“You too,” he said softly, turning to leave. As he walked down the steps, the front door opened behind me.

“Is your friend leaving already?” my mom asked, poking her head out. “Why don’t you invite him to stay for dessert?”

I hesitated, glancing back at Omir. He stopped, looking up at me. “I, uh. . .”

“Oh, come on,” my mom said, waving him back. “I’ve got my homemade butter pecan ice cream in the freezer.”

Omir paused at the bottom of the porch steps, glancing back at me with a conflicted expression. I held his gaze, unsure if I wanted him to stay or leave. Omir gave her a polite smile, his hands sliding into his coat pockets. “Yeah, I should get going. Thank you for lunch.”

“Well, you’re welcome anytime,” my mom said warmly. She tilted her head slightly, her perceptive eyes flickering toward me. “Safe travels, Omir.”

“Thank you,” he replied, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer. “Stay strong, Lennox.”

“You too,” I said softly.

He turned and walked to his car, his movements deliberate but tense. The sound of his engine starting broke the silence, and I watched as his car disappeared down the street, leaving a strange emptiness in its wake.

My mom stood beside me, silent for a moment before she spoke. “You love that man, don’t you?”

I blinked, startled by her question. “What?”

She smiled knowingly, leaning against the porch railing. “I may be old, but I’m not blind. The way you two look at each other,. . . the energy I feel, . . . it reminds me of your father and me when we were younger.”

I turned to face her, my defenses rising. “Mom, it’s not like that. He just had a death in the family and has a whole life he’s building with someone else. I had my chance.”

Her brow arched slightly. “And yet, he was here today, helping me make lunch, conversing likethisis where he belongs.”

I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “He was just being kind. That’s all.”

“Maybe,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “But kindness doesn’t explain the way he kissed you on this porch.”

My heart jumped. “You saw that?”

She gave a small chuckle. “Lennox, I see everything. It’s a mother’s gift.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It doesn’t matter. I’m. . . I’m happy for him. I really am.”

She reached out, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Hmm. If you say so, Lenny.” I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out. “I know you’ve been through a lot,” she continued gently. “And I know you’ve worked so hard to build this life for yourself. But don’t let fear or pride keep you from being honest with yourself, Lennox. You deserve to be happy too.”

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