Page 9 of Bourbon & Bonfires
“I’m not much of a joiner, you know that. I’d like to get a job, but I don’t think I can work until I’m sixteen.”
“That can’t be true. Both your Uncle Taylor and I were working long before we were sixteen. I’m sure there’s some way you can work. Or maybe you can volunteer. Tutoring or something?”
Mason shrugs and turns back to facing forward in his seat, and for the next hour or so, we chat about our new town and eventually he begins to relax. For the first time in the last six months, I see a glimmer of the boy he was before his dad moved, and I’m hopeful. When GPS tells me we are approaching our exit for the designated meeting spot, Mason clears his throat.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, bud?”
“I’m sorry I’m kind of a dick sometimes.”
“You’re not a dick. Also, I’d prefer you didn’t swear.”
“I know, sorry. I just want you to know I’m serious. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I know Dad didn’t leave because of you. I just get so angry and ...”
“Frustrated?” I offer and he nods while taking a deep breath. “Look, I think you’re old enough for a little real talk, and while I don’t want to get into this right now, I will tell you something many people would say isn’t appropriate to share with your child.”
Looking at me with his eyes scrunched, confusion evident on his face, Mason waits for me to continue.
“Your dad and I just weren’t meant to be. There’s no dramatic reason, and sometimes that’s okay. I know it’s hard for people to understand. Heck, it was hard formeto understand when it happened. I married your father because I loved him and wanted to spend my life with him. But we were kids, Mason. We changed, and while many people survive such a shift in a relationship, we didn’t, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, being apart is the best for all of us.”
“But, what about me? Kevin’s parents split, and his dad is at all his games and never misses a thing. My dad couldn’t even call me on Christmas. I got a text.”
“You did? I didn’t realize your dad reached out to you.”
“Yeah, it was late, and it was a generic Merry Christmas with like ten emojis.”
Now it’s my turn to sigh. Dan never ceases to amaze me. Slowing to make my turn into the parking lot, I spot Jordy’s family SUV parked and smile at Mason. “Look, nobody is perfect, and we don’t know what your dad has going on right now. How about we offer him a little grace? Besides, you’re about to spend the next week with your best friend skiing, that’s something to look forward to.”
“I’ll try. I hope Jordy isn’t mad at me for how I acted before we moved.”
“Mason, Jordy invited you on this trip, so I doubt he’s upset. But talk to him. It’s okay to acknowledge your wrongdoings and ask for forgiveness. Sometimes asking is the biggest hurdle. Now, enough of this serious talk. And look,” I say, gesturing toward the SUV as Jordy and his family pile out one by one to greet us, “it appears the entire family is excited to have you with them this week.”
After talking with Jordy’s family and catching up, I hug Mason and remind him of his manners before climbing back into my car and pulling out of the parking lot. Since I took the entire day off from my new job for this exchange, I have a few hours to burn, and I think a trip to the mall is in order.
I’m pulling into the parking lot of the local mall when my phone signals a text message. Once I’ve parked, I pull my phone from where it rests and tap the icon.
Taylor: Since the rat is gone for the week, I’ll expect to see you at Country Road for New Year’s.
Scoffing at the text, I wish my brother was here so I could roll my eyes at him in person.
Me: I don’t think that’s how you ask your sister what her plans are for New Year’s.
Taylor: You need to get out and meet people, sis. You can’t sit around the house wallowing and collecting throw pillows.
Me: I DO NOT collect throw pillows. Yes, I’m shouting at you.
Taylor: Whatever. We have a big party every year and you should come. I’ll be working, but I’ll make sure you’re all square for the night.
Me: Yeah, I don’t think so. Going out alone on New Year’s Eve is a pathetic, even for me.
Taylor: Stop. Get yourself gussied up and come on down. I’ve gotta go, delivery guy is here. I’ll see you on NYE.
Me: We’ll see.
I’ll admit the idea of going to my brother’s bar on New Year’s Eve sounds equally as fun as it does intimidating. I’m not afraid to go to a restaurant alone, and I love nothing more than taking myself on a movie date. What’s not to love? You get to sit where you want, nobody talks to you, and you get the popcorn to yourself. But a bar on the night you’re supposed to be kissed at midnight? Yeah, that’s a little too desperate.
As I walk the mall dodging post-holiday shoppers I’m stopped in my tracks when I notice a beautiful red dress in the window of one of the smaller boutique stores. Short in length, the dress is a simple cut, but the lace overlay gives it a dramatic flare. Curious, I step into the shop and walk toward the display window. When I see the dramatic back of the dress my eyes widen in surprise.