“I did not, but I did help my brother build his place.” Top shrugged, the nice, collared polo making him look somewhat polished, his short hair gleaming under the evening light.
“Oh? Where’s that?”
Top broke into an animated description of a house in the Midwest. Cynthia, bless her, looked captivated by his every word.
Xavier stared at the pair, hidden in the stairwell though he might as well have been sitting right next to them. It wouldn’t have mattered. They seemed totally enrapt in their conversation.
And in each other.
Huh. Did Auggie know? But really, did Xavier? Just because his mother and Top seemed to be overly friendly didn’t mean much. He’d seen them chatting before. No, they were just being sociable.
Oddly relieved, he walked out of the shadows, determined to see for himself, and watched as his mother’s eyes grew large when she spotted him.
Top drew back with a smile that to Xavier, seemed forced. “Hey, Xavier. Just chatting with your mom.”
“I see that.” He looked his mother over, sensing nothing odd in her appearance. She looked pretty, as always, dressed in a casual tee-shirt and shorts, a spot of makeup enhancing her beauty. But she wore jewelry today, not something she always did.
“I was just coming up to see you.” His mom smiled and turned back to Top. “Thanks for keeping me company.”
Top shoved his hands in his pockets, looking discomfited. “Ah, it was nothing, Cynthia. Great to see you again.”
“Hey, Mom. I was just heading out for some ice cream.” He studied Top but saw nothing but the man’s poker face. Had Xavier imagined his unease? “Feel free to come with us, Top.”
“Nah. You and your mom enjoy. I think I might take some time off today.”
Cynthia nodded. “You totally should. Maybe see a movie. The latest action thriller has been getting decent reviews. There’s a six o’clock showing I might see.”
Top nodded, hanging on Cynthia’s every word. “Huh. Maybe I’ll check that out.”
The way he looked at Xavier’s mom, Xavier thought the guy would do more than check it out. No doubt he’d be there early, entrenched in position, waiting for Cynthia to show.
His mom flushed. “Great seeing you. Bye.” She walked with Xavier toward the front of the building.
Top watched them leave until he saw Xavier watching him. Then he gave Xavier an indecipherable look, turned, and walked away.
“Mom, what is going on with you and Top?” Xavier asked the moment they left the building.
“Who? Oh, Max? He’s such a nice man.”
“Top?” His voice came out louder than he’d intended, and he deliberately softened it. “I mean, yeah, he’s a decent guy. A real hard worker. In fact, I was telling Auggie that he’s probably a softie on the inside.” Buried very, very deep.
“Exactly. I think he acts tough to keep others away. I get the sense he still misses his wife. She died fifteen years ago, you know. Cancer.”
“No kidding. I knew he was married but not that she passed away.” That explained a lot about the gruff older man. “So you’re going to a movie later?”
She nodded. “I need a break myself. I’ve been helping Jane with her online craft store, and a bunch of us have been putting in hours with Pets Fur Life, that animal charity that’s been pretty popular.”
“You’re getting a pet?” Was his mother having some kind of midlife crisis?
“Um, no. I’m helping animals get adopted and working to schedule a few events since their coordinator is out East helping sick family.”
“You’re such a nice lady. Trying to get yourself into heaven with good works.” He patted her head.
She slapped his hand. “Don’t be a jerk, boy.”
He chuckled. “I still think you’re nice.” Too nice for Top.
“I am nice. So nice that you’re buying me a rocky road ice cream cone.”
