Finn takes us to an Italian restaurant. It’s his parents’ first trip to California and he’s anxious to show them all his best discoveries since he moved.
They’re both kind and very loving toward him. It doesn’t surprise me that he turned out to be the man he is under their influence. Being around them reminds me that I need to call my mom. I haven’t spoken to her in two days. That’s a long time for us. She’s really the only person that gets me.
Finn opens the car door for me and his father does the same for his mother. I play the role and allow it. Finn usually smiles a lot, but even more so tonight. Still, there’s nothing different about him. He’s the same guy around his parents as he is every other day. If only I could be so real.
The restaurant is classy; way nicer than what I’m used to. Finn made a reservation so we’re immediately taken to a booth. His mother and I slide in first. When Finn sits, he stretches his leg so that part of it is resting against mine. Even though he’s sitting next to me, having his leg in the position it’s in requires effort. It creates an immediate sense of longing in me. Having him want to touch me this way, in a way that is private, just between us, is weirdly one of the most romantic things I’ve ever experienced. His leg touching mine makes me feel… wanted. Why would he do that? His parents can’t see. It makes no sense.
Finn and his father discuss wine while his mother and I decide on an appetizer. The restaurant serves family-style platters so we order a few dishes to share. The waiter arrives with a bottle and pours.
Mr. Walsh raises his glass. “Merry Christmas.”
We clink glasses and drink.
“So, Liz, Finnigan tells us you’re in accounting. What does that entail?”
“Mom, I’m sure Liz wants to just relax tonight and not—”
I interrupt. I got myself into this mess. “I love my job. I’m happy to talk about it. Basically, my division handles research and development expenditures. You wouldn’t think that a company would need a division just for something like that, but Seamore Productions has multiple television programs, movies, and record labels running simultaneously. They keep us very busy.”
“Fascinating. David reminds me all the time that I’m bad with numbers. I can’t balance the checkbook to save my life,” Mrs. Walsh says.
I note David must be his father’s name.
I smile.
“She’s amazing at her job. Just the other night at our Christmas party, her boss bragged about her to his boss. They were very impressed with her work.”
“Really! Good for you,” Mr. Walsh says, setting down his wine glass. “Like I always tell Finn, follow your passion and the money will follow. You won’t ever be truly successful in a job you hate.”
Finn nods and takes another sip of wine.
There’s an awkward moment of silence. I feel like I need to make conversation. What’s happening to me? It must be my nervous shuffle. I need to be careful not to blabber. I search for something to talk about and my eyes fall on Finn’s mother’s neckline. She’s wearing a silver angel. “That’s a lovely necklace, Mrs. Walsh.”
“Thank you, but please call me Shilah.”
“Shilah? That’s lovely. Is it Irish?” I ask.
“Oh yes. I’m one hundred percent. David is a melting pot. He’s got some Irish in him, but mostly Dutch and Polish. Now Finnigan, he looks just like my father. His brother Keegan was all Walsh if you ask me.”
Tension fills the air with the mention of Finn’s brother.
“He gave me the necklace. I wear it all the time. Ever since…”
I swallow hard glancing over to Finn.
“Dad, how’s work been? You ready to retire yet?”
“Not yet,” Mr. Walsh quickly responds. “I think I still have a few more years in me. It helps to not ride the truck as often anymore.”
“The truck?” I question.
“Dad’s a fireman. It’s going on thirty years now, right?”
“Yep. It’s been a long run. Almost time to hang up the hat.”
Finn’s mother is still quiet. She’s twirling her necklace in her hand. I feel a lump in my throat. “Would you excuse me? I’m going to run to the ladies room.”
“Of course.”
