They set them down on the table, and Luigi went to shake Miles's hand."Glad you're here," was all he said as the two men shook hands.
Miles nodded."I'm grateful to be here."
Callie squeezed Ollie's hand, but he just shook his head again.
Rosa came to him and gave him a pointed look."I thought it might be good for you all to sit and talk."She smiled."And I thought you might need a drink."
Miles chuckled, and when she turned to him, he wrapped her in an affectionate hug."It's good to see you, Rosa."
"And you.We miss you, you know."
Callie felt bad for him as he glanced at Ollie.He didn't say anything, but it was obvious to her that he missed his son too.
"We'll be on our way," said Rosa."Want us to take the dogs?"
"No," Ollie said immediately."Are they inside?"
"They are."
Luigi glanced at Miles, and Miles gave a short laugh."I'd like to see them."
Ollie looked a little put out, but Luigi went back and opened the door.Peanut and Butter came bounding out, and Luigi guided Rosa inside.
Although they came to Ollie first, the dogs then went straight to Miles, who bent to make a fuss over them.
She watched, fascinated, then turned to check with Ollie, putting a hand on the small of his back.He gave her a wry smile and said in a low voice, "It's okay.He loves them."
Miles straightened up, and she could hear the pain in his voice when he said, "He loves you too, Ollie."
This felt like the moment that she should make herself scarce.But Ollie caught her hand again and led her to the table.
"What would you like to drink?"
"I'll take a soda, thanks."
He turned to his dad, who said, "A glass of cab for me, please."
Once the three of them were seated around the table, the silence that descended made Callie twitchy.Miles smiled at her, and she smiled back, even though she felt a little disloyal to Ollie doing so.
"Your work is beautiful," he said.
"Thank you."
"I'm not just making polite conversation," he insisted.He glanced at Ollie."Or trying to butter up the woman my son loves."
She smiled at that."It wouldn't work if you did."
"I can see that."He nodded slowly."I was intrigued when I saw the photo of the two of you.You look as though you belong together.Now that I've met you, I understand.You love him, and you're good for him."
She smiled and rested her hand on Ollie's thigh under the table."He's good for me."
Miles nodded."He's a good man."
He met Ollie's gaze, but Ollie just shook his head.Miles turned back to her.
"I'd love to see more of your work."
She took her phone out, eager to turn the conversation to something neutral while Ollie had time to gather his thoughts — and maybe to just observe his father interacting with someone.With her.
