shoulders in response. “Indifferent really.”
“Hmm.”
“Hmm?” I copy in question.
“Just, I’m trying to read you and I can’t. That’s a first for me, which is saying a lot for someone who is working to become a detective.”
“Good. I’m purposely unreadable.”
Isaac gives me a sad look but then immediately changes the subject. “How about we take a walk on the beach and look for washed up jelly fish once you’re done eating?” he enthusiastically asks Benny.
“Cool!” he responds. “I’m full, can we go now?”
Isaac and Benny both look to me for permission. “I’m done, too. Sounds like a great plan!”
Isaac lays down money for the bill and tip as I clean off Benny’s ketchup covered face. Once we are down the steps, Benny grabs Isaacs hand and drags him forward. “Come on, come on!” Isaac looks back at me and laughs before running towards the water with him.
After nearly an hour of the washed up jelly fish adventure, Benny has managed to somehow fall asleep while riding on Isaac’s shoulders and is drooling in his hair. Isaac carefully takes him down from his shoulders and carries him the rest of the way to the car. As much as it over joys my heart to see a scene like this unfold, it also makes it ache. This is the first time Benny has ever had any type of male companionship. I immediately feel guilty that this will probably be the closest he ever gets to that, considering we won’t be staying in Miami forever.
Once we’re in the car, Isaac shuts the roof to the convertible so the drive home doesn’t wake Benny, before taking off. That was pretty thoughtful.
“What’s wrong?” he asks me as we pull out of the parking lot. He must’ve caught me in the midst of my thoughts.
I shake my head, not sure I feel like talking, while fighting back my tears. “Benny had a great time tonight. Thank you.”
“And you?” he asks while keeping his eyes on the road.
“I did, too. Thanks.”
He smiles but also must sense that I’ve hit my limit on talking tonight, because he doesn’t say another word the rest of the drive back to our apartment. That changes once we park. He turns in his seat to look at me. “Please don’t think I’m rude for asking this, but, where is Benny’s father?”
I bite my bottom lip until I can taste my own blood and look down at my lap. “He’s dead,” I answer softly.
“Oh,” Isaac responds, obviously surprised at my answer.
“Four years ago tomorrow actually.” I’m not sure if he even hears me because my voice is so low now.
His eyes soften as he slowly reaches for my hand as if he isn’t sure he should. “I’m so sorry,” he says, genuinely apologetic. I’ve never experienced anyone showing sympathy for Dominic’s death and start to become overwhelmed by the feeling. “He must have never even known about Benny then.”
Big fat drops of tears begin to fall from my face onto my dress. “No. He was killed the day after we were married.” I barely get the words out before I succumb to my reality and sob as I openly grieve my husband for the very first time. Isaac pulls me into an instinctive embrace and holds onto me until I’m finally able to compose myself. I pull away and wipe my face with the palms of my hands. “I’m sorry, I really should go now. Thank you again for dinner,” I say as I open the door to step out of the car and reach in the back to unfasten Benny.
“I can carry him in for you if you would like.” Isaac has gotten out of the car and is now standing beside me as I stand up shifting Benny’s body in my arms.
“I’m okay, really. Thanks anyway.” I walk straight to my door without ever looking back at him.
Before I can shut the door, Isaac walks in and sets Benny’s car seat down in the entryway. I’d completely forgotten about it. When he stands back up we are face to face. He stares into my eyes and for a moment I’m frightened that he might try to kiss me. “Thank you again for coming tonight. I know it wasn’t something you really wanted to do, but I had more fun than I’ve had in a while.”
“Me, too,” I answer softly.
He walks backwards until he is out of the doorway. “Goodnight, Vada.”
“Good night, Isaac.”
Once I shut and lock the door, I lean my back