Page 91 of Afternoon Delight
“What’s the occasion?” I asked, pouring myself a glass of wine.
“Nothing. I was talking to Bethany, and this is what she was having for dinner. Made me want it too.”
“You and Bethany are talking? That’s good. Is she still seeing Tyson?”
“Tyson dumped her for someone else. A guy he met in a coffee shop.”
“Oof. Sounds like Tyson doesn’t know what he wants.”
“You think?” He used a fork to fish a noodle from the bubbling water.
“Do not throw that at the wall.”
“Grandma’s the one who taught me that’s how you test it.”
“That was your grandfather,” Mom said, “and it’s the reason he’s six feet underground.”
“Mom.”
“Grandma,” Roddie spoke at the same time I did.
We both laughed while Mom looked pleased at having caught us off guard.
Roddie ate the noodle, then set the colander in the sink.
“Bethany wanted to know when I’m coming back,” he said once we sat down to eat.
A small wrenching sensation twisted in my heart, but I made myself say, “Georgia is going to start coming into the store next week. I was thinking April first, but you can go back sooner if you want to. You can stay with your dad.”
“Maybe? I don’t know. I want to see Freddie. I kind of miss him. And Dad. I mean, he’s never going to be like other dads, but I’m never going to be like other sons, so…”
“Roddie.” Mom spoke before I could. She reached across the table and set her hand on his. “You’re perfect exactly as you are. I hope you know that.”
“Thanks, Grandma.” He ducked his head, shy but pleased, then looked at me. “But once you’re home, I’ll probably live with you if that’s okay?”
“Absolutely.” I nodded, but the hook in my heart tugged harder, tearing it open. I wasn’t ready to leave Zak.
“What about you, Grandma?” Roddie asked.
“I don’t know.” Mom sent a pensive frown toward the living room and the picture window that overlooked the cul-de-sac. “That’s a lot to decide by the end of the month.”
My conscience gave me another pinch.
“Mom, it’s okay. I’ve been pushing you. I know I have. But now that we’ve cleared out so much clutter, I think you could list the house as-is, whenever you feel ready. Maybe bring in some painters, maybe not. People like to choose their own colors. This house will appeal to a young family looking for something affordable, with good bones they can update over time. You don’t even need professional stagers. Put a few things in storage, then put your own talent to work. Maybe borrow a few key pieces from the antique shop.”
“Not Georgia’s?” Mom said with dry sarcasm, earning a snicker from Roddie.
“You said it yourself, sex sells. If you want to turn the basement into a dungeon, that’s up to you.”
She sniffed but looked around again, her gaze introspective.
“It’s hard to say goodbye,” she said wistfully, “but it’s also hard to stay. I’ve wanted to paint and redecorate for years, but then your father got sick. After he was gone, I couldn’t face the chaos, so I put things off. It’s been nice having you two here, but it’s too much house when I’m alone. I don’t know the neighbors anymore... but I wouldn’t know anyone in Toronto, either.”
“It’s okay, Mom. You have lots of options. Think about it as long as you need.”
She nodded, then changed the subject, and I was left to brood about leaving Zak.
Chapter 50
