Page 368 of His Hungry Wolf

My mother exited her bedroom.

“You don’t have to leave. But this might be a good time to tell you something.”

I slowly turned around finding my mother tying the waist of her robe. After what had happened, even this was too revealing.

“Yeah, what’s that?” I asked hesitantly.

“Mike, can you come out, please.”

Oh no!

Mike came out in jeans, suspenders, and no shirt. The man had a receding hairline, a blond beard, and the biggest beer belly I had ever seen. He was the owner of the local diner and growing up, I had always seen the flirting between the two. I wasn’t blind. But this?

“What’s going on?” I asked nervously.

“Honey, Mike and I are going to be moving in together,” she said firmly.

“Mike’s moving in?”

“No. I’ll be moving in with him.”

“I just bought a house on the lake. It’s up near Tanner Cove,” Mike explained.

“It’s beautiful, Titus. And I will be moving there.”

“I know how your Mama likes nice things. Only the best for her.”

I turned to my mother.

“So, what are you gonna do with this place?” I asked her wondering how I fit into all of this.

“I haven’t decided. Maybe I’ll sell it.”

“I see,” I said feeling my chest clench. I winced and then crossed to the couch to sit down.

“You okay, son?” my mother asked.

“It just seems like everything’s changing. Nero’s playing professional football. Lou got engaged. You’re moving in with Mike. Everyone’s getting what they want but me.”

“Mike, could you give us a minute,” my mother said headed toward me.

“Actually, I need to get back to the diner to prep for the dinner rush.”

Mike grabbed his shirt and shoes. “I’ll see you later?”

My mother smiled and watched him go. When he was gone, she joined me on the couch. She took my hand in hers.

“Things change, Titus.”

“I know that. I’m the one who has been trying to convince you of that, remember? It’s just that everyone seems to be changing without me. What am I doing wrong? Why am I the one being left alone?”

“You’re not alone, son.”

“Aren’t I? You’re with Mike. Nero has Kendall. Lou has that guy, whatever his name is. And who do I have? Tell me, Mom. Who do I have?”

My mother’s eyes dipped. She had that look like she wanted to tell me something but couldn’t get herself to say it.

“What is it?”