“I did.”
“I think it was very sweet of you to do so. How are your parents, Brody? It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve spoken to your mom.”
“She is out with the girls tonight, seeing a movie. She’s well. I know she’s been busy planning a benefit for one of her former colleagues. I think they have her caught up in the logistics.”
“Oh, yes, that’s right, she mentioned the benefit. Well, good. It’s important for us middle-aged women to stay busy.”
I can’t help but narrow my eyes in on Mom, wondering what thoughts are bubbling through her head. I get the feeling she has an agenda, but I’m not sure what it could be about. “How are you feeling?” she asks me, keeping her question subtle enough in case I didn’t go into detail about my health issues with Brody.
“I’m okay. I have a couple appointments next week, so I’m on the right track.”
Mom places her hand on her chest and exhales a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.”
“I know—uh—you know what’s going on, so I will do what I can to help her,” Brody says, seeming nervous as he reveals his understanding to Mom.
Mom seems to relax even more as she slouches into her seat a bit. “Journey has told no one. You must be doing something to make my little girl happy. Trust me, I know it takes a lot.”
I smirk because I know Mom is trying to get a rise out of me, but she’s right.
Someone needs to bring Mom the wine so we can all ease up a little. The tension is thick and there’s no reason for it.
I spoke too soon.
“Journey, I’m so glad you finally came to visit,” Marco says as he approaches the table. “Welcome to Chez Tru.” He takes a quick look at Mom and Brody then back at me. “Dinner is on the house. Please, order whatever you would like.”
I don’t offer my gratitude. I bite my tongue instead.
Once Marco is out of hearing range, Brody releases a groan. “Ah, we have a Marco,” he mutters.
“On the house?” Mom questions.
“It’s a long story,” I say, wishing she wouldn’t say anything more.
“Did you date him?” Mom continues.
“God, no. He’s married. I just did a photoshoot of his entrees before the restaurant opened, and he then tried to woo me. Needless to say, it didn’t work.”
Brody clears his throat and adjusts his chair. I can’t tell if he’s uncomfortable, angry, or jealous. It’s an odd sight to see Brody uncomfortable.
Our waitress returns with two bottles of high-end wine. “Marco sent this to the table. He thinks you’ll enjoy these,” she says.
“Tell him, I said, thanks but no thanks. We are perfectly happy to pay for our meals.”
Neither Brody nor Mom interject my statement. “Of course. I’ll let him know.”
“Has he called you again?” Brody asks.
“Just once, two weeks ago, but I told him if he had any further requests to send them through email. That was the last I heard from him.”
“This will be the last time I spring a dinner surprise on Journey,” Brody jokes to Mom.
“You know what? Life is a bunch of tests. We can’t avoid them all, right?” Mom says.
“Good point,” I agree. My life has been made up of final exams. “Sweetie, please remind me to give you something before we leave. I have it in the car for you.”
“What is it?” I’m not sure what it could be.
“It’s something I think you’re ready for.” Her explanation is simple, but I have no other thought aside from whatever it is having to do with Dad.
