Page 47 of Ever's Last
“I couldn’t stay. I needed time to think. Are they going to get in trouble?”
“No. It was an accident. They were scolded for not coming forward then, but they’re not in trouble.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. I never wanted either of them to go to jail.
“Anne says you have some news.” My dad hugs me before sitting down. We start to dig in.
“I’m not sure how to begin.”
“Shane, she’s enrolled in college.” Thanks, Anne.
“That’s wonderful. I never wanted you to miss out on that.”
“We all know why she stayed. Several reasons. She thought you needed her, she stayed because this is home, and it reminded her of Memphis. And she did those couple years of pageants to make me happy.”
That’s all true.
“The college is in Texas,” Anne informs him.
And my dad doesn’t even blink. “When do you leave?”
“I have a couple months. I enrolled in summer courses. You’re okay with this?”
He nods, tears in his eyes. “It’s time you left the nest.”
I giggle and everyone joins in with laughter.
“I just need to put space between me and things that remind me of him. I need to figure out who I am.”
“And we will be there for you every step of the way. Can’t expect you to live at home the rest of your life,” my dad says.
Now that’s out of the way, things turn to small talk and laughter.
“Anne, I didn’t know you could cook,” my dad says as he finishes off another plate of food.
“I’ve been trying new things. I found cooking is something I enjoy.”
“This was really good,” Ivy compliments her.
“I am making a cookbook.” Anne blushes.
“That’s awesome.” I didn’t know that.
“Great things coming for everyone.” And my dad just made it awkward.
“You’re a weirdo.” Ivy laughs and we’re back to our new normal.
Anne starts to clear the table and Ivy helps, leaving just me and my dad at the table.
“I want you to know I’m happy for you. I mean, it’s hard to see your only child head off into the world, but you’re young and have so much to offer. I talked to Sal. I think it’s a great idea.”
“Anne is going to help. I was so wrong about her,” I whisper to him.
“She’s not so bad. And we will remain friends. But we were both young and stupid, too. I think it’s great about her cookbook, though.”
“You should try her dumplings. To die for.”
“Next time I get a client that wants to do southern downhome cooking, I’ll bring her in for that.”
