Page 102 of Lorcan
Genessa grinned. “You’re a smart boy, Cody. I taught both of them, back in the day. Tragic story. Mallory works in restorative justice.”
This time, I rubbed my forehead.
“So Darius gave me some advice. He’s set up for me to get a monthly allowance. That’ll pay for the nursing home and anything else that might come up.”
“Okay.”
“Cody?”
“Yes.” His gaze turned wary.
“Forty-five years of teaching with only the need to keep a roof over my head. I’ve invested well and been frugal.”
“You already paid for my education and gave me the down-payment for this place.”
“Well, now I’m giving you the down-payment for a house. Houses are so expensive these days.” She met my gaze.
Mutely, I nodded.
“Well, you boys deserve a nice house. Mei should have a backyard.”
Cody took her plate, minus the mousse she’d somehow consumed, so she could resume stroking Mei’s soft fur.
“It’s time, Cody.”
“Time?”
“For you to move on. From your family. From the pain. I’ve done my best to guide you, but you need to make your own way.”
In clear confusion, he glanced around the condo. “I would say this is my own way.”
“I mean, Mei needs a backyard. You both need space. To stretch your wings.”
He blinked. “I didn’t think—” He swallowed.
“Because your father put that notion in your head that you can’t be happy and have a partner. It’s ridiculous. You know very well that gay get together, marry, and are happy. Your friends Stanley and Justin. And that nice boy…Simeon? And his husband Ryan.” She patted his thigh. “Now, most of them are older than you. So you’ve got time.” She cast me a look. “It’s never too late.”
I wanted to rail at her presumptuousness. Except what was plainly obvious was Cody screamed stability and permanence.
Where does that leave me? A fifty-three-year-old washed-up construction worker who likes to wear ears, paws, and a tail. Playing with squeaky toys.
“Well, I need to be going. Lovely meal.” Genessa patted her belly.
Mei stirred. She sat up, stretched, and then flopped so her head was on Cody’s lap.
For a moment, he appeared disconcerted. Like he hadn’t expected her to take to him so quickly.
Genessa turned her attention to me. “I’d like you to drive me home.”
“Oh, we both can.” Cody started to rise.
She put her hand against his chest. “Let sleeping dogs lie. You prepared the dinner.” She eyed me. “Good scalloped potatoes.”
“Would you like some to go? I made plenty.”
“Well…”
“And a container of ham with pineapple?”
