Page 36 of Rule the Roost
“Sorry, Chan. I didn’t mean it to sound that way. It’s just…”
For once, I had to step in. “Chandler, your dad was telling me today how much he admires your generation.” That got both of their jaws dropping. Hoping I hadn’t overstepped, I added, “You’re strong, smart, and care about things, unlike his or even mine.”
“You did not,” Chandler said to his dad.
“I did. And I do. Meat is bad for a lot of reasons, and your generation is seeing more vegans and vegetarians because of those reasons the rest of us ignore.”
Chandler absolutely beamed at his father. “Well…that’s…that’s good. So, you wouldn’t be opposed to it?”
“Why would I?”
“Thanks, Dad.”
At that meal, there was more talking than I’d experienced up until then. Chandler was animated, telling his dad about this game he was playing, Colby had a hotdog in each hand, following along and adding to the conversation when he could.
I watched with pleasure as father and son seemed to come to a crossroads, one where they both were at the same time. I knew everything hadn’t been fixed and there was a lot more than needed to be said. It was, however, a start.
After dinner, Chandler went to his room and Rick asked me to stay until he was back from putting Colby to bed. I did, helping Phoebe to clear the table.
When Rick returned, he grabbed both my arms, and I thought for a second he was going to kiss me. In fact, I think he almost did, but caught himself, pulling back a bit and saying, “Thank you. You…saved me.”
“I used your own words, that’s all.”
He gripped me a little tighter, but just smiled wider. “I…am grateful.”
When he finally let go of me, it felt as if he was sorry he had to, but that could be my own imagination. We sat at the newly cleaned table and watched the sun as the rays shot up from the other side of the mountain range. They shot up into the clouds for a light show that couldn’t be matched. The colors were darkened with the late twilight, but they were just deeper colors of magnificence.
“That was the best meal, and not because of the food.”
“For being an almost-vegan, he ate that steak like a starving man,” I mentioned, getting Rick to laugh.
“I noticed. I couldn’t do it. I like meat, but I thought about it in my younger days.”
“I’ve gone vegan a few times,” I admitted while the steak sat digesting in my stomach. “But it didn’t last. I was losing too much weight. I’m not a fan of a lot of carbs either.”
“It shows in your…I mean, you look good. Healthy, you look healthy.” He glanced at me and we started laughing. That felt good like it broke the sudden tension. “I swear I’m not usually this tongue-tied.”
“It’s okay, Rick. Really.”
“No. I consider you a friend, and that may be fast to you, but for me, I know right away if I like someone.”
A friend. I’d been friend-zoned. “Thank you. I consider you one too. Boss first, friend next, that is.”
“Oh, not the boss thing. Please. Forget that. I mean, except on paydays.”
“I can’t forget it, Rick. It’s okay, though, you’re not some ogre.”
I got a wink for that remark before he said, “Touche.”
“Just talk to him. I think the biggest problem you have here is that communication has broken down a little. It’s not uncommon.”
Rick nodded absently and whispered, “I’ve never been great at it. I don’t know how to express my feelings.”
“I don’t believe that. I’ve seen you with both of your sons. You express you love them all the time.”
“You think so?”
It was my turn to nod.