inheritance along with the harvest gold stove in the
kitchen.” I turned around and walked out to give him
some privacy. I went to see if Mom needed my help.
She looked like an evil scientist going from pot to pot
stirring, tasting, seasoning. Without looking up, she
motioned for me to hand her the flour. “Will you set
the table? Set a place for Ian, just in case his dad can’t
pick him up right away.”
“Mom, we don’t know this kid. Plus, he stinks.”
“Here are the rolls and mashed potatoes. Let’s get this
show on the road before everything gets cold.” She
shoved the food at me and pushed me towards the
dining room.
Ian was already at the table. He was playing with his
utensils, but I noticed at least his hands were grime
free. “You should have seconds, kid; you are too
scrawny.”
He stiffened at the mention of his weight. “I can’t
help it. I eat all the time.”
“Not everyone has a mother who does their laundry,
Cassandra.”
How many women would like that problem? I guess
the little guy wasn’t that bad. I kind of felt sorry for
him. My mouth started to water as Dad proudly
carried in the turkey; he was in his glory. Man cut
meat for family. Man is complete.
She had me there. I walked back to the study to find
Ian staring at the phone, his small hand combing
through his greasy hair. I narrowed my eyes like that
might help me figure him out. “So, what are you
doing walking out here in the middle of nowhere?”
“Be careful, Tony, that knife is sharp.”
“I had a fight with my dad and I stormed out, but
freezing my ass off has brought me to my senses