25
AVERY
The restaurant Shane wants to try doesn’t open until three, so when we reach Coynston, a city about an hour outside Boston, we go to a place called the Shamrock Café. It’s newly opened as well and is being touted as one of the best places in the region for an upscale brunch.
We’re seated at a window that looks out onto the back patio, which in summer must be gorgeous with the flower borders in bloom. At the edge there’s a greenhouse, and our server tells us proudly that some of the menu’s tomatoes and greens are grown there.
I want to order an Irish coffee but figure I’ll be carded. Shane orders it instead and then gives it to me when it comes. If the waitress notices, she doesn’t let on.
Partway through my eggs, my mom calls. I would let it go to voicemail, but because she was upset yesterday, I don’t want to leave it.
“Sorry,” I say. “I need to take this.”
Shane leans back in his chair, saying nothing, but looking displeased.
“Ave, good!” Mom says. “Ethan and I are coming to Granthorpe so I can see you today. What’s the best time to pick you up? I need to speak privately with you, so where on campus would be good for that? A park maybe? We could take a walk.”
“Mom, I’m not at Granthorpe and won’t be until tonight.”
“Where are you?”
“Right now I’m having brunch in Coynston. Do you know it?”
“I think I’ve heard of it. You’re with friends?”
My teeth sink into my lower lip for a moment. “I’m with Shane.”
There’s a long pause, and my gaze flicks to his face, which frowns back at me.
“Can you come by the house on your way through Boston? I really need to talk to you.” There’s something in her voice that causes me to go still. “Please?” she says. Her voice sounds on the verge of tears, which isn’t like her at all.
“Yes, I’ll try.”
“It’s important. And if you need us to come and get you—”
“I know. But, no.” My voice is kind but firm. “We’ll try to come. Right now, I have to go. I’m in a restaurant.”
“All right. Text when you’re on your way, so we know when to expect you.”
“Ok.” When I end the call, Shane folds his arms across his chest. “I need to stop by their house.”
“Today?” The word is an accusation and a rebuke all rolled into one.
“Yes, today. Something’s wrong. She needs to talk to me. If you really don’t want to go, you can drop me off and either come back for me or Ethan can drive me back to campus.”
“What’s the emergency?”
“I don’t know.”
“I bet I do.” He uncrosses his arms and takes a swig of his coffee. “There’s something I need to take care of in Back Bay. Not urgent, but I might as well get it done. I’ll drop you at Ethan’s and then swing back later to get you.”
He doesn’t want to let me go to them, so I’m grateful there’s no fight. Not that he really does that. With him, it’s the silent treatment. Sometimes for years, I think tartly.
Thoughts of the rift come back whenever we have a disagreement. That’s something I need to let go. As I finish my coffee, I slide my plate away. Shane eats his breakfast and then what’s left of mine.
“Hungry, huh?”
“Worked up an appetite fighting for my life last night.” He says this as if he’s serious, which has the desired effect of making me chuckle.
