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“Yes, the wind picked up about midnight. It was probably the swing.”
I turn back to him to see his face, sure that if he actually saw us he wouldn’t be able to hide it. He’s bent over the counterrubbing his eyes. When he’s finished, he looks up, and I see nothing in his eyes that would suggest he saw anything inappropriate.
Thank God for that.
“Mia’s coming over in a bit, and we’re taking a couple horses out. You want to come along?”
I turn the burner off, reach into the fridge for some orange juice, and pour T a glass before setting it in front of him.
“Can I stay here? There’s a new game I want to check out.”
“Yeah, but remember what we talked about. I want you to get to know Mia. She’s going to be around more often.”
I scoop some bacon and eggs on a plate and place it in front of him. He immediately picks up his fork and brings some eggs to his mouth. He’s always been a big eater. I sit beside him with my own plate.
“Okay,” he says, back to muttering.
I glance sideways at him at his change of attitude. I get that he’s not completely comfortable with Mia yet because of what his mother said, but this seems like more. He always looks guilty when she’s brought up.
I set my fork down on the counter and turn in my seat to face him.
“Alright, T, you need to tell me what’s going on. I understand you don’t care for Mia, but is there more I should know about?”
He picks up a slice of bacon and shoves it into his mouth, avoiding my eyes. I get ready to snatch his plate away when he doesn’t say anything for a few minutes, but then he speaks.
“There’s nothing going on, Dad. You know why I don’t like her.”
“Yes, I do, but it seems like more than that. You normally don’t take an instant dislike to someone. You’re one of the easiest-going kids I know. Your attitude lately has been shit. I need you to talk to me if you’re having problems.”
The aggravation and anger are plain to see on T’s face. I just don’t know what they’re for or why he’s closed himself off from me.
He jumps down from his stool and says loudly, “I’ve already told you, there’s nothing else going on, okay? Stop bugging me about it.” He stomps to the sink and dumps the dishes in before stomping back toward the door.
“Hey!” I say sternly to get his attention. “Get your butt back here, T, and sit down.”
He swivels around and walks back to his stool with his head bent and takes a seat. He knows when I use that tone of voice he’s pushed me too far, and he’d be wise not to push any further.
“Look at me.” When I have his eyes, I tell him, “First, lose the damn attitude. It’s getting old, and it’s pissing me off. Second, if there’s something you’re going through and you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine. I’ve been your age before and know there are some things you’d rather keep to yourself. That’s okay, but when you start treating other people like crap because of it, it’s not fine. You either need to learn to deal with it or get over it.” I reach over and put my hand on his shoulder. “Just remember, T, I’m here for you. You can talk to me about anything, without fear of judgement, no matter what it is.”
He bites his lip and looks like he’s going to say something, but then changes his mind. He drops his eyes and nods. I sigh, resigned to the realization he’s not going to talk to me yet. I just hope he eventually comes to me. We used to have such a close relationship. It’s gone downhill lately, and I wish I knew why. I have a gut feeling it has something to do with Tessa.
I take my hand from his shoulder.
“Can I go to my room now?” he asks.
“Yes, just remember what I said. I’m going to pack a lunch for Mia and me to take with us. I’ll have my cell phone with me if you need to call me.”
He opens his mouth, and I know it’s going to be a smart-ass remark. I lift my brow at him, and he wises up and doesn’t let it come out. Instead, he mumbles, “See you later,” before walking off to his room.
I shake my head at his retreating back. I hate seeing him likethis, but if he’s unwilling to talk to me, there’s nothing I can do to help him except be there when he needs me.
I finish my breakfast, and then get up and clean my mess. I still have a couple hours before Mia is supposed to be here. I walk down to the basement and put in a good workout before jumping in the shower. I go back to the kitchen and fix a quick lunch of sandwiches, fruit, and cheeses for Mia and me.
After the lunch is packed, I walk back to my bedroom and go to the closet. I grab the box off the top shelf and dig through it until I find what I’m looking for. It’s something I got for Mia years ago but never gave to her. Of course, it wasn’t until recently that she would be willing to accept anything I gave her. What I hold in my hand is something I know she’s always wanted but has never gotten before.
I grab a padded bag from the floor of my closet and put the large jar inside, before taking the bag out to the kitchen to set beside our lunch. I look at the clock above the stove right as the doorbell rings. I smile; she’s right on time.
I open the door and, as every time I see Mia, my breath catches. She’s always been the most beautiful woman to me, both the old Mia and the new one.
