Page 78 of Red Fire
“I can well imagine. There are those who never return to the city. I’m glad you came back.” His eyes get all watery, and he blinks a couple of times. “Your mother was worried.”
“I know.”
“Who wants a glass of lovely lemonade?” My mom walks into the living room carrying a tray. “I made it fresh yesterday. There are cookies, too. Your favorite.” She winks at me.
“Peanut butter with chocolate chips?” I ask, but it isn’t really a question since they are, hands down, my favorite.
“You’d better believe it,” my mother says.
“Your mom has been making them every week for the last year, waiting for this moment. For you to come home, son.” He leans over and taps a hand on my chest a few times. He’s smiling but on the verge of tears. “I almost can’t believe that this day has come.”
My throat clogs, and my eyes sting. “I’m sorry I made you wait,” I finally choke out. “It was wrong of me.” I should have known that they’d be here, waiting for me, supporting me, regardless of what I did.
“It happened. It’s over, and now you are back,” my mother says. “I hope it’s for good?” She lifts her brows and bites down on her lower lip.
“Yes, I’m here to stay. I ran into an old client of mine who wants more work done.”
“That’s wonderful,” my mom says. “Levi is going to be so happy you’re back.”
“How is he?” I ask. “I must send him a message. I need to organize a new cellphone.” Mine was destroyed when I fought that male. I don’t want to think about that now. This is a happy occasion.
I grab a cookie and bite into it. “This is good,” I say around my food as I take another bite. I left without having any breakfast. A few more chews, and I swallow, taking another cookie because I know it will make my mother happy. She beams, pouring a glass of lemonade. She hands it to me, and I accept, taking a big gulp. It’s cold and refreshing, just like I remember. Tangy and yet sweet. I groan, drinking half of it down, licking my lips.
There are pictures on the mantle of us as a family. There are plenty of Levi and me as kids.
“What has Levi been up to?” I ask.
“He’s good. He’s still working as a mechanic,” my mom says.
“Opened his own shop a few months ago,” my dad chimes in.
“I was going to tell Creed. You steal all the thunder, you big lug.” My mom whacks him with a dishtowel.
They’re both smiling, so I know they don’t mean it.
“That’s amazing,” I tell them. “It’s what Levi always wanted. He’s always been obsessed with human contraptions.” I want to tell them about Octavia and how she was training to become a pilot, but I stop myself.
“More and more people are driving nowadays instead of using their wings.” My dad shakes his head. “I don’t get it. I’m never getting one of those contraptions.”
“I was thinking of trying one,” my mom says.
“Pearl! You wouldn’t.” My dad looks shocked.
“Why not? It’s nice to get dressed up from time to time. Shifting destroys your makeup. Not to mention a manicure.” She looks down at her polished nails.
“You shouldn’t use that human nonsense.” My dad waves his hand before taking a sip of his drink. “It isn’t necessary. You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
“Thanks, dear, but it’s nice sometimes, that’s all.” My mom rolls her eyes. “Driving looks like it might be fun,” she mutters to herself.
“I’ll give you lessons,” I tell her.
“Not you too, Creed. Levi has offered as well.” My dad looks put out.
“Talking about Levi, I take it he’s been tending to my garden?” I raise my brows.
“Yes. He and I have been taking turns. We didn’t want you to come back to a mess.”
Fuck!I feel choked up all over again. I did a terrible thing, but that doesn’t mean I’m not worthy of my family’s love. Octavia was right all along. I was wallowing in self-pity. I thought I was moving on and being positive when I wasn’t. I was letting one moment in my life define me. I was wrong.