Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,37
hallway to her bedroom. “Hi, Dominic.”
“Hey, Mom?”
Her heart stuttered at his weary voice. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, mostly. It’s been super busy today in the ER, but I thought I should let you know Michael called me earlier.”
He had? When had he even had the chance? “Oh?”
“I thought you should know he’s really weirded out by Charlie. Not in a creepy way, exactly, but he doesn’t trust him.”
Winnie sank to the edge of her bed. “When did he call, exactly? Because I thought today went rather well, all things considered.”
“The timestamp is about four hours ago. I’d have called you sooner but he caught me in the one calm minute I’ve had all day.”
“I see.” She did... and she didn’t. “Michael’s been struggling ever since Dad died. I’ve gotten him counseling and tried to be there for him, and I don’t know what else to do.”
“It’s just a rough patch. I remember being that age and, in my mind, everyone was against me. And I hadn’t just lost my father.”
“I know.” Winnie shoved her hand through her hair in frustration. “But what does that mean for me? I know it’s not your problem, but since Michael pulled you in, what do you recommend?”
There was a slight pause before Dominic spoke again, more quietly. “He said he saw you kissing Charlie.”
What? When? He’d come home twenty minutes after she and Charlie had moved to the kitchen island the other night. Had he seriously seen them through the sidelight then waited that long to come in from the cold? Oh, wow. Michael was in worse shape than she’d thought.
“So, uh, he wasn’t making that up?”
Winnie sighed. “No, we’ve kissed. I just didn’t know Michael was anywhere around.”
Dominic’s laugh sounded on edge, to say the least. “Well, that’s awkward.”
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“For Katri and me. It’s just kind of weird that my mom is dating her dad. And kissing him.”
“You guys introduced us and asked us to plan your wedding.” She couldn’t help the defensiveness in her voice. “It’s your fault we started spending time together.”
“I know, but we didn’t think you’d take it to the next level and get involved yourselves.”
“I see. So, you don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Mom, I don’t know. It’s just awkward, okay? Charlie seems like a nice enough guy, but...”
Winnie waited a moment before prompting him. “But what?”
“No offense, but I guess I can see Michael’s point.”
“Dominic.”
“You asked. And I thought you’d want to know that Michael doesn’t feel heard. Doesn’t feel seen.”
“He...” Winnie clamped her mouth shut. It was a ridiculous accusation after as much love, care, and time as she’d poured into her youngest. How could a mother possibly do more? Was she supposed to wait until he left home before dating again? A man like Charlie didn’t come around just any old time. She wasn’t about to put him on hold for five years.
But back to Dominic’s other revelation. “And you’re embarrassed that I’m seeing Katri’s dad.”
“Well, no, not embarrassed, exactly.”
She raised her eyebrows, knowing he couldn’t see her. “Then what?”
“Katri’s mom made a big deal of it, like it was the biggest joke she ever heard, and I didn’t quite know what to say.”
“Julia. Now I’m supposed to care what Julia thinks of me? She kicked Charlie out twelve years ago. Her opinion is hardly relevant.”
“She’s still Katri’s mother.”
“Dominic...”
“I know. Everything is just weird, okay? And we’re slammed at the hospital, and I’ve hardly seen Katri since dinner at her mom’s a couple of days ago. I hate that I can’t be home for Christmas, but Katri is scheduled through the twenty-sixth.” He took a deep breath. “Sometimes being an adult stinks.”
Ya think? Winnie managed not to voice the flippant response, even though her frustration was mounting. “You did know going in that medicine isn’t exactly a nine-to-five job.”
“I know. Still sometimes stinks.”
Winnie couldn’t think of anything else to say to her son. “Unless you have anything to add, I should get back out to my company.”
“Charlie’s still there?”
She scrunched her eyes shut and counted to ten silently. “Yes, he ordered in Chinese, and we all watched a movie.” Emphasis on the all.
“No wonder Michael’s peeved if the guy is trying to take Dad’s place.”
“He’s not trying to take your father’s place. No one could. Charlie’s not that stupid.”
“Then what?”
“Maybe he’s trying to make his own place? And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m sorry it bothers you. I’m sorry Michael is going through a hard time. Believe me, I’m sorry, but