He studied his fingernails and shrugged. “Don’t sweat it. Things are going to change soon. Somehow, I’m going to convince her to see the doctor again. She doesn’t like him, but I figure if I promise to stick around and stop running, maybe she’ll be less afraid. I need to own that I might be part of the problem.”
Ozrik shifted and coughed, then abruptly changed the subject. “Tell me about Steinbeck. What book are you reading?”
It was clear he didn’t want to talk about his mother anymore.
32
Gale
We spent two hours at the Salty Orange, eating, talking, and laughing. Every so often, Ozrik checked his phone and frowned.
Oil Slick was gone when we left. We piled into the car, and Ozrik started it up, but he didn’t put it in gear, seeming undecided.
I didn’t want to go home. The lunch date had been fun, and I wanted more alone time with Ozrik, but didn’t know how to say it.
With evident discomfort, Ozrik said, “I told Stella I wouldn’t be long. She seemed off this morning.”
“I understand.”
“I don’t want this date to be over yet.”
“Me neither.”
“Do you mind if we head back to my place so I can check on her? She hasn’t texted once since I left the house, and I’ve been gone almost three hours.”
“That’s not normal?”
Ozrik huffed. “No. Usually by the three-hour mark, Sheriff Barclay is hunting me down because I’ve ignored over twenty texts and she’s called the police, convinced I’m dead in a ditch.”
“Oh.” Again, I wasn’t sure what to say.
Heading to Ozrik’s was fine with me. If we went back to my place, Dad would be there. Dad and his knowing looks and astute mind. He wouldn’t care if I had Ozrik over. Still, I didn’t want to introduce an awkward situation until I properly explained our relationship.
Ozrik found his mother in the backyard, seated at a patio set, staring off into the distance. A cold glass of what looked like sweet tea sat on the table beside her. The umbrella shaded her face, but her drawn expression showed even in shadow.
“Hey, Mom,” Ozrik said as he went out back. “I’m home. This is Gale. A… friend. We’re going to hang out for a bit.”
Stella attended my old church, so when Ozrik introduced me and she turned, a moment of recognition passed between us. “Gale. I haven’t seen you at service in ages.”
“No, ma’am.” I wasn’t sure how to explain my absence. Most congregants knew I’d gone into the seminary, but not why I’d left. Returning meant answering questions, facing a truth they might not accept. I wasn’t ready for either. “It’s been some time.”
“You should come back. I’m sure Father Drayard would love to see you.”
I nodded. “I’ll pop in sometime and say hi.” I wouldn’t. Avoidance was key to survival.
To Ozrik, she said, “Are you feeling okay still?”
“Much better. Bobby fed me a burger and fries. Gave me energy.”
“Good.” She turned and stared blankly at the landscaped yard. “I’ll be heading to the grocery store in a bit. We need a few things.”
“Okay.” Ozrik hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but turned and waved me inside instead.
We followed a long hallway to Ozrik’s bedroom. He seemed out of sorts, but when I asked if he was okay, he shrugged and found a strained smile.
“Crap. She opened my windows and made it hot in here.” He crossed the room and tugged them shut as I looked around.
Ozrik’s room was a decent size with an attached bathroom, a neatly made double bed, a desk, and a dresser. Surfaces were cluttered, and it had a lived-in feel. It was also a testament to his passion. The walls were plastered with maps from across the US, dozens of colored pins marking locations.
