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“I remember. It’s going to be similar to face recognition software, right?”
“In a way, Bonnie. I guess you could say it’s like face recognition software but for objects. We’ve been able to zoom in, and the software can even identify small objects. Like coins. The software can identify if the coins are dimes, nickels, or pennies.”
“Really? That’s fascinating. Please, tell me more.”
I sit back and continue to fill up on my mom’s Italian food. I enjoy hearing Val talk about her project.
After dinner, my mom brings out dessert. Some sort of pie that has both Val and me raving about how good it tastes.
Once we’ve finished the pie, we help my mother with the dishes, despite her protests.
“I’m glad you both could drop by. I’m hoping we can do this more often now that you have a wife, Chase.”
“Sure, Mom.”
While I drive us home in my truck, I look over at Val, who’s very quiet.
“What’s on your mind, Val?”
“I was just thinking of your mom. I think she’s lonely. How long has your dad been gone?”
“It’s been seven years now. My mom keeps busy with all her charity events and fundraisers. The last few years, she started hinting to me and my brothers that she was hoping we’d all start settling down.”
“How often do you guys get together as a family?”
“It used to be all the time, but as we’ve gotten older, we just don’t stop by that often anymore.” When Val remains silent, I add, “My mom’s good about letting us know if she needs anything.”
“I know how busy life is, Chase. We all forget to spend time with family members. It just occurred to me that Bonnie probably gets very lonely.”
I frown as I think back over the last few years, how my brothers and I just slowly drifted away from visiting my mom as often as we used to.
“Shit. Val, I think you’re right. I can’t believe I never noticed. Maybe we could start dropping by more often. Kind of make it a regular thing.”
“Chase, I wouldn’t mind, and I’m sure your mom would love that.”
“I’ll talk to Carson as well. Even Carter, as he should be coming home soon. I’m sure we could all give up some time to visit my mom.”
I think about what might make my mother happy. “You know, we could even start having cookouts like my dad used to throw.”
“Cookouts?””Yeah, my dad was known for his hog roasts. He had this huge smoker grill built. About once a year, my dad would invite everyone around for miles. Friends, family, and acquaintances. He always felt the more, the merrier. He’d roast a hog, and everyone who was invited would bring a covered dish. All the Wild Riders came. The cookouts were a mix of all classes of people. You never knew who you were rubbing elbows with. But everybody always had a good time.”
“When was the last time you guys all got together for a cookout?”
“It’s been seven years. Ever since my dad died, we haven’t had the heart to put another one together.”
I hit the steering wheel with the palm of my hand. “Damn. You know what? I think it’s time for that to change too. Let’s organize a huge cookout. Wanna help me?”
Val gives a delighted smile. “Yes. We can ask your mom to help with that as well.”
“Yep. I bet she’d love it.”
I pick up my cell phone and give Carson a call.“Hey, Val thinks Mom might be lonely. So, I was thinking she’d love it if we threw one of Dad’s cookouts. I’m not sure where the old smoker grill is, but I can ask Mom. Hell, we can always buy another one, I guess— Yeah, that’s what I was thinking— Great. Glad you’re on board, Carson.”
I look over at Val.
“Carson is in. He said he thought it was a great idea. You notice I didn’t mention dinner, but that will come. We can start with the cookout and a bunch of people, and then I’ll let my brothers know about getting together with Mom more often.”
“That’s wonderful, Chase. I think your mother will really appreciate seeing all of you more often.”
