to Kara. She gestures in front of her, gesturing what? How large she got with our son while she was carrying him? Kevin pats Kara on the head; she elbows him in retaliation.
The man yanks her forward and gives her what appears to be a welcome hug.
Maybe it’s too much coffee, but there’s a churning in my gut as she returns it. Pulling back, she pats him on the chest before motioning in the direction of the dining room. But even as the moment I’ve been anticipating for days is about to unfold, I can’t hear anything over the roar between my own ears.
Kara’s still a beautiful woman, I try to tell myself dispassionately, but failing miserably. Did I ever notice the way the light catches the gold woven through her hair, or is that as new as the cut that swings when she turns her head from side to side? Annoyed at my thoughts, I’m sure if I’m noticing anything new, it’s probably just because I haven’t seen her in so long. Right, the voice inside my head mocks, keep telling yourself that.
When they reach the table, I notice the smile Kara’s wearing doesn’t illuminate the room the way I remember it could, but that’s most likely due to the circumstances of why we’re all here. It’s subdued, despite being friendly to the behemoth next to her.
Surging to my feet, I experience doubt so swift it almost sends me back into my chair. How do I introduce myself to my son?
Kara isn’t as flustered. “Thank you, Wenzel. It was great to see you after so many years,” she concludes warmly.
“You too, Kara. I wish it was under better circumstances. Nice to meet you, Kevin.”
“Thank you, sir,” my son acknowledges respectfully before his body shifts in my direction. All manners drop from his demeanor when he whispers, “Whoa.”
Kara lays a hand on his arm as she greets me. “Hello, Jennings. I appreciate you being able to join us on such short notice.” She holds out her hand for me to shake.
“Kara. It’s good to see you again.” I immediately take her hand, trying to help her demonstrate to our son there’s no animosity between his parents. I’m not surprised by the delicate bones beneath my fingers. What I’m shocked by is the dance of awareness I only feel when I’m sitting behind the stick to flutter up my arm.
She yanks hers away. Her eyes grow large which is what earned her the nickname “Owl” so many years ago. She felt it too; I just know it. Before I can say anything, she covers her response by smiling up at the younger version of me. “And this is Kevin Jennings Malone.”
There’s no air. Someone stole it all because the room’s spinning crazily around me. I’m still reeling over the fact she named her son after me despite everything.
My son narrows his eyes down at his mother. “Who,” she continues, unperturbed by the insolent face, “has a number of questions he’d like to ask you. I hope you understand.”
“Of course. Kevin, it’s my absolute pleasure to meet you.” I don’t expect him to say the same, so I’m not surprised when he doesn’t. He does take my extended hand in a firm grip. More regrets pile up when I realize it was likely Jed or Dean who taught him to maintain eye contact until he releases the grip.
“Please sit,” I encourage them both. “If you’d like the booth side, I’m happy to switch.”
Kara waves her hand to hold me in place. “You’re settled; don’t be silly.”
“As you may remember, I’m rarely that.” My voice is low. Where is this need to tease her coming from? I wonder even as Kara’s head jerks in response.
Her lips part in shock, but before she can react, Kevin pipes up, “Mom, can I have coffee?” There’s almost despair in his voice.
“More?” Kara says incredulously. “You polished off half the pot at Maris’s this morning.”
I want to call the waiter over, I want to slide my own drink across the table that Kevin’s sending covetous glances at, but I don’t have the right to intervene.
Not yet.
“I didn’t sleep well,” he reminds her.
Her face softens. “Kevin, I also want you to sleep tonight. I’ll compromise; you can have a soda, okay?”
He leans over and rubs his temple against hers, clearly not afraid of the hit it will give his image to show affection to his mother. My chest aches from being in his presence all of a few