I’ve been in my head since Friday’s dinner and haven’t talked to Taylor since before I left the office. As much as I try, I can’t get my mother’s words out of my head. It’s been two days, and while it feels like I’m losing a limb by not talking to her, she hasn’t reached out either until now.
It does nothing to assuage the doubts swirling in my head. Is she checking in because she misses me and is making sure I’m okay? Or is she checking in because of the fight Chase and Miller got into last night? So far, it seems to be chalked up to standard trash talk and a tense series between two competitive teams.
I’m hoping it stays that way.
My Wife
Are you still coming home tomorrow?
That has to mean something, right?
ME
Yes, I’ll be home midafternoon.
MyWife
Can’t wait
Before I can respond, another text comes in from my brother.
NATHANIEL
Let’s meet for lunch.
ME
Why?
NATHANIEL
We should talk after how you left things Friday
ME
Fine.
NATHANIEL
See you in an hour.
I finish a few tasks before deciding to walk over to the restaurant early, needing the air to clear my head.
“Teresa, I’m going out for lunch today.” I pocket my phone and wallet as I stop at her desk in our Manhattan office.
She glances up, confused since I don’t have a lunch meeting on the calendar. “Okay, do you need reservations?”
“Meeting Nathaniel.”
Her brows shoot up. “Do I need to call with an emergency in thirty minutes?”
Chuckling, I say, “I’ll let you know.”
The sun is warm on my face when I exit the high-rise, but the air has a briskness to it as summer fades to fall. I take a few deep breaths, attempting the meditative practice I’ve watched Taylor do. A last-minute lunch with my brother isn’t inherently bad, but after Friday night, I have a feeling it won’t be great.
I walk into our favorite restaurant, and the hostess directs me to the table.
“What a surprise,” I bemoan at the sight of Carter sitting with Nathaniel.
