Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 33

Prescott got it for her, carrying it to the kitchen.

"Mom, I know you'd like grandchildren. I want kids. But I have to find a willing woman first."

"You've got a wonderful woman."

"She's not mine, Mother. We're good friends, not dating."

"You'd be very good together."

"I think so, too. But she's come out of a horrible relationship, after years of abuse. I'm not going to push."

"You could push a little, Obadiah. A woman likes to know she's desired."

"Thank you." He took her hand, kissing it. "I promise, I will do that. Honestly, I look at the rest of my life, and I see her in it." The tears started again.

"She needs a good man."

"And I need a good woman. I knew Cieran wasn't the one for me, but you get lonely enough—"

"I understand, darling. But at the rate you're going, your youngest brother will be a father before you."

He laughed, nodding. "Yeah. Could very well be. More power to him."

The door opened, thumping the wall.

"Hiya!" Clive called out.

"Hi there!" Obi replied. "Living room."

His brother bustled in, his arms full of bags. Prescott came out to meet him, taking a few.

"What on earth are you doing?" Hester asked.

"Groceries. The girls made me," he said with a chuckle. "They're outside, getting more stuff."

Prescott trotted out to the car. Clive put his bags in the kitchen and followed. The women came in with more bags. When Clive and their father came in, they shut the door.

"Where's Eric?" Hester asked.

"On his way. I sent him on an errand," Sarah said.

The door opened again, and Eagle came in, carrying another bag. This one was heavy.

"I was sent to obtain libations," he said with a chuckle.

"What on earth? I've got wine," Obi said.

"Not like this," Eagle replied. "Come see." He carried the bag to the kitchen. Setting it on the table, he lifted out several bottles. "There's a local winery, just outside town. It's got the most amazing snow wine ever. It just came up for sale. I've been waiting five years for this!" He held out a bottle for his brother to see.

"This is their first batch of snow wine," Sarah said. "I know the vintner, he's a patient. He saved these back for us, at my request."

"I've seen signs for this place. Do they do tours?"

"They do. We should all go, while Mom and Dad are here," Eagle said.

"I'd like that, when I'm not a gimp."

"It's a date."

"Hey, Mom is getting out of the hospital tomorrow," Wynter said.

"That's great news. Are they doing out-patient for her treatments?"

"We hope so. The first one made her so weak and sick, I just don't know."

"We'll pray about it before starting dinner," Obi said. "Let's get the groceries up, and do that."

"Thank you." Smiling a little, she gave him a soft kiss on the lips and a gentle hug.

"You're welcome."

Wynter started unpacking groceries. Obi tried to help, but was summarily thrown out of his kitchen. However, when they were done, they stood in a circle in the dining room, holding hands. Bowing their heads, they waited.

"Dear Father," Obi said. "We have faith in your love, and thank you for your blessings. Please, take care of Wanda. Bring her back to health, and help her cope with the medications she's given. Heal her body and her soul, Lord. In the name of Jesus, your son, we pray. Amen."

They all said a resounding Amen. Squeezing hands, they raised their heads smiling at one another.

Wynter, who was standing next to Obi, gave him another kiss. This one wasn't just a friendly one. In fact, it went on for quite some time, taking on a life of its own. Neither of them noticed that the others had quietly gone back to the kitchen.

Obi held her a long time, enjoying the taste of her lips, and the touch of her body. The raw, emotional pain and doubt he'd been feeling, ebbed away, like waves at the beach.

"I've wanted to do that since we met," he whispered.

"Me, too. You've been so kind, so loving. I couldn't have gotten through this without you."

He wanted to say he loved her, but that was simply ridiculous. They hardly knew one another, though it felt as if he'd known her his entire life. A wisp of hair had fallen from her ponytail. Lifting it softly, he brushed it behind her ear. His lips found hers once more.

The kitchen door popped open. Someone cleared his throat. They looked over to see Eagle. He looked rather sheepish, hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched.

"So incredibly sorry to bother you, but I can't find your cork screw. I looked everywhere."

"Was it Eagle Looking, or Mom Looking?"

"She helped me. Do you still have one?"

"Yeah! Hang on." He gave Wynter another short kiss before heading to the kitchen.

"I wouldn't have bothered you, but Mom...."

"No worries."

Obi looked in the drawer where the corkscrew should be. It wasn't there. It wasn't any of the weird places someone else might have put it. In fact, he couldn't find it anywhere.

"That's plain weird. Didn't we have it the other night?" he asked Wynter.

"I don't remember. Maybe the other wine was screw top?"

"We need a corkscrew," Clive said. "I'll go get one. Anything else we need while I'm out?"

"Can't think of anything," Obi said.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 32

She filled Styrofoam travel cup with coffee. Thanking her, he took his leave. A few minutes after he went outside, a police cruiser pulled up.

"Why would Wynter's ex be on my porch?"

"I wonder what he's doing in town?" his father asked.

"Maybe he followed her? He had to know her mom lives here. But my house? That's weird. And kinda creepy. I need to call her."

"No. Eagle's taking her to see her mother. Call him," his father said.

"Yes, sir." He called his brother.

"Hey, big bro, sup?"

Obi explained. Eagle got quiet.

"Hello? Is Wynter there?"

"Yeah. Okay. I'll tell her."

"I want to tell her myself."

"I'm capable—"

"She'll want to speak to me, to make sure I'm all right."

"Sure. Of course. One second." The phone exchanged hands.

"Hi, how are you feeling?" Her voice sparkled, there was no other word for it.

Obi felt terrible, knowing he was going to tarnish that shininess. "I'm feeling fine. But I had a visitor. It was Bardo."

"What?" she gasped. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine. He didn't attack me, but he arrived on my porch. He knew my name! Where I live. What the hell?"

"Oh, my God," she whispered. "But you're all right?"

"I'm all right. The police arrived quickly. He's in jail."

"I need to talk to him."

"Why would you want to?"

"Because, he might not tell the police why he's here, but he'll tell me!"

"Wynter...."

"I need Avery's number."

Rather than arguing with her, he snapped a picture of Avery's card and sent it to her.

"Thank you." She hung up.

"That went about as badly as I thought," he sighed. Running his hand through his hair, he winced. He'd used his left hand, without thinking.

"You did what you had to," his mother said. "There is no gentle way to tell her something like that, and she has a right to know."

"Agreed," his father said. "I'm fixing that damn doorknob. We went out to buy a new one. Ran into a few old friends, and went for coffee. I'm sorry you had to go through that alone."

"Thanks, Dad. I'm all right. I'm a grown man. If a thing like that upsets me, I might as well move back home." He chuckled a little nervously. Hands trembling, he belied his own words.

"Tea," his mother stated. "And I brought those rolls you like."

"That would be great, Mom. But I don't have tea."

"I bought some. Where's the sling?"

"No clue. My room?"

He started toward the stairs, but his father beat him to it.

"Be right back." He trotted up. "Yeup! Here it is!" He came just as briskly back down. Carefully, he helped Obi put it on.

"Tea's ready," his mother announced. "How about out here?"

She set the tray with teapot and cups on the coffee table. A platter of sweet rolls nestled beside the pot. Obi couldn't help smiling. It was great being pampered once in a while. What he'd considered hovering, when he was younger, was nothing more than his mother's love. She showed it by the little things she did, like remembering his favorite sweet rolls, from his favorite bakery.

They talked quietly as they ate and drank their tea. Obi had to admit, he felt a lot better afterward. He was able to assist his father by handing him tools and talking.

"I got it keyed at the store, so you don't have to change up," Prescott said.

"I'm surprised they did that."

"It was that small corner hardware—Abernathy's."

"John Abernathy is one of my parishioners."

"I know. We've known his family for years. His son, Roger, runs it now. Nice boy."

Obi chuckled. "Roger Abernathy is forty-two, Dad."

"And I'm fifty-seven. To me, he's a kid."

"I suppose that's true." There were times he considered Eagle to be a child, so he could understand his father's perspective. "Thank you both, so much. I didn't realize how much I've missed you." He felt himself tearing up. Inhaling deeply, he tried to stop the tears, but they made their way out.

His mother handed him a napkin, saying nothing as he wiped his cheeks.

"Then perhaps what we've got to say, will please you," she said gently, nodding at her husband.

"We're moving back. I asked for a transfer a few months ago, and they've granted it. Father Charlie wants to retire."

"He's not that old, surely."

"No, but he's got some health problems, and wants to move to an easier climate."

"Wow. I had no idea. Where's he going?"

"A small town in Southern California. His son lives there. They've built a tiny home for him, and parked it in the backyard."

"I'll be sorry to see him go, but I'm glad he's going to be near his son. Since his wife died, he's been lonely."

"Yes, and he'll enjoy being near the grandchildren. I wouldn't mind one or two of them, myself," his mother chided.

"Nothing I'd like better, but you'll need to give me a little time. Not something I can just make appear," he teased her.

"I'm just saying," she fussed, picking up the tea tray.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 31

Obi said nothing. Taking out his phone, he shut the door, bolting it. The man started pounding on it, rattling the doorknob.

"9-1-1, what's your emergency?"

"There's a strange man on my porch, trying to get in the house."

"Are you in a safe place?"

"No. I'm standing in my foyer, hoping he doesn't come through the window." Leaning his hip against the door frame, he felt every vibration.

"Can you get to a safe place, Mr. Randolph?"

"I'm worried about leaving the door, ma'am."

"Leave it. Go to a safe place. I have officers rolling now."

"Yes, ma'am." He headed to the utility room. It had a solid door between him and the rest of the house, as well as a door leading outside, should he need to leave.

"Is anyone else in the house?"

"My parents were here, but I haven't seen them this morning."

"See if you can find them. My officers should be there in less than a minute."

The banging and knocking got louder. The door knob rattled, and Obi was afraid it would fall off. If it did, there was very little to keep the man from getting in. There was a deadbolt, but like the door knob, it was rickety. The storm door was mostly glass, but there was also a screen, which someone could punch through.

"I'm in the laundry room at the back of the house," he stated.

"Good. My first officer is there. I want you to hold on, until I get confirmation that the threat has been dealt with."

"Thank you. I can still hear banging."

There was suddenly silence.

"The officer must have gotten him, it's stopped. I'm going out."

"No! Absolutely not, until I get an all clear from Officer Avery."

There was a pause. His doorbell rang.

"That will be Officer Avery," the dispatcher said. "Verify his name and badge number for me."

"Yes, ma'am." Making his way to the door, he saw the familiar face of his cop buddy. "I know Officer Avery," he told the dispatcher. "It's him."

"Good. You have a better day, Mr. Randolph."

"I will. You too."

"Thank you. Goodbye."

"Bye." He unlocked the door, letting Avery in.

"Where's the bad guy?"

"On his way to lock up. My partner took him."

"Any idea who he was?" he invited the officer in, closing the door behind him.

"I was hoping you could tell me."

"No clue. I just got up. Want some coffee?"

"Love some."

"Come on back to the kitchen. I'll make some. I don't know where my folks are."

"Is this their house?"

"No, it's mine. They're visiting." He checked the coffee pot and found out that someone had set it up. All he had to do was press the button.

Officer Avery helped him get out mugs, cream and sugar. Obi found some bagels on the counter and toasted one for each of them. He gave his statement and they sipped their coffee and ate. They were just finishing up when the front door rattled. Avery was immediately alert. Obi put a hand on his arm.

"My parents. Dad has trouble with the door."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah. He did the same thing yesterday."

The door burst open and his mother flew down the hall to the kitchen.

"What's going on? What happened? The storm door's dented, and the front door is all marked up."

"It's all right, Mom. Someone tried to break in."

"What? Oh, my Lord! Prescott, did you hear?"

"I did. Who was it?" He set a couple bags from the hardware store, on the table.

"No idea, but he knew my name."

"That's odd." Shaking his head, Prescott poured coffee for himself and Hester.

"If you think of anything else, call me. Do you still have my card?"

"I do." Obi pointed to the freezer door. The card was up there with a magnet. "Thank you for responding so quickly."

"You're welcome."

"Can you let me know who the hell that is?"

"When I find out, I'd be happy to." His radio crackled. "Go for Avery."

"You ready for a ride?" the other man's voice said.

"Yes. Hey, any identity on the intruder?"

"Bardo McHenry," his partner replied.

"Wait. What?" Obi said. "That's my friend Wynter's ex-boyfriend. He's from New York City. What the heck is he doing here?"

"I'll make it a point to find out. More importantly, why here?" Avery said.

"No clue. But you might want to talk to Wynter."

"Good idea. Do you have her number?"

"Yes." Obi gave it to him.

"She's on her way to the hospital, to see her mother," Hester replied.

"I'll call her later. It's going to take a little while to finish the paperwork. You feeling all right, Father? You look kinda rough."

"I'm okay. I look worse than I feel."

"Good. If you need me, call."

"I will, I promise. I'll put your number on my phone."

"Excellent."

"Lovely to meet you, dear," Hester said. "Do you want some coffee to go?"

"I don't mind if I do," he replied.

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 30

"Too late. We know the forbidden names. You're screwed."

"Thanks a bunch. I hope you have a really embarrassing name, and I can use it against you."

"My name is Sarah Elizabeth. Not embarrassing."

"Rats."

"Dinner's about ready to be served. Wash up!" his mother called from the kitchen. "We'll eat in here," she said as the door dropped shut.

Obi and Sarah wandered to the small restroom off the foyer, under the stairs. She washed first, then he did. It was awkward with the sling, but he figured it out.

What had originally been a back porch, had been turned into a large breakfast nook. The circular table was huge, so there was plenty of room. It was laden with food.

"This is like Thanksgiving and Christmas combined!" Obi said, smiling.

"It's a celebration," Wynter said, taking his hand. "Your family is back together, and there are new friends here."

"We're all family," Hester said with a smile. "I'm delighted to meet you girls. I believe that you'll be good for my sons."

"Mom, we just met," Clive reminded her.

"You're going to argue with me?"

"No, ma'am."

"Good. Blessing, Prescott."

Obi and his father both opened their mouths. Laughing, Obi let his father do the honors. Afterward, they started passing the dishes. Eagle was on one side, Wynter on the other. Between them, they served Obi.

"I feel like I'm three years old again," he grumbled.

"A three year old doesn't act like such a big baby," Eagle remarked casually.

"I will hit you," Obi said. "And there's not a thing you can do about it."

"Boys," Hester said. "I swear, you get together, and revert."

"My sisters and I have been known to do the same," Frankie said. "Especially—"

"Emily," Wynter finished.

"Exactly."

"It's not easy being the youngest," Eagle said.

"The youngest gets away with murder," Clive said. "And you always blamed everything on me. You knew better than to try to palm it off on Obi. But you constantly got me in trouble."

"I did not."

"The garage door? Mrs. Jenkins' car window? Hm?" He tilted his head, eyeing his younger brother sharply.

"You did do the garage door!" Eagle protested.

Clive looked at Obi. "Well?"

"Eric totally nailed the garage door with the baseball bat. I tried to explain at the time," he told his parents. "And he broke Mrs. Jenkin's car window, and he tied the fire crackers to the cat's tail."

"You were an obnoxious little brat," Sarah teased, nudging Eagle.

"I never did! You totally did all those things."

"I'm here to tell you, he didn't. You've lied about it so long, you really believe it. You were kind of a little shit," Obi said calmly.

"If you weren't injured, I'd smack the daylights out of you."

"If I weren't injured, I'd let you try," Obi said calmly.

"Enough, boys," their father interceded at just the right moment. "Ladies, this meal is absolutely delicious. I applaud you all."

The brothers agreed. Eagle gave Sarah a kiss. Feeling a little left out, Obi and Clive gave their lady friends a kiss on the cheek. All three earned smiles.

After dinner, Prescott headed to Obi's office to work on Sunday's sermon. The others gathered in the living room with coffee and board games. The women had brought several with them.

"I wanted Cards Against Humanity, or Exploding Kittens," Clive said. "But I was out voted."

"Not appropriate," Sarah said sternly. "We discussed this."

"Yeah. We did. Doesn't mean I like it, or appreciate, the tongue lashing that followed." He glared at his younger brother.

"We've got Utter Nonsense," Sarah said with a grin. She plunked a green box on the table. "And Clue. What would you like, Hester?"

"Let's play Utter Nonsense. This sounds fun."

They had a lot of fun playing the game, which had silly sayings, combined with weird accents, for nearly an hour and a half. At one point, Prescott came out to get a cup of coffee, and heard them laughing. Smiling, he watched for a moment, from the kitchen doorway. Delighted they were having fun, he headed back to finish up his sermon. He was very pleased with how it had turned out. He'd never had one fall into place so quickly.

Around 10:00, everyone went home, leaving Obi and his parents at his house. He took a pain pill and went to bed. Prescott and Hester stayed up a little longer, talking about his sermon, and how to tweak it. Putting the final polish on it, they headed to bed about 11:00.

Obi was up a few times during the night, but felt less uncomfortable than he had earlier in the day. He slept better, and got up with less groaning and moaning. His arm wasn't as stiff, and the lividity of his bruises had diminished. Feeling much better, he trotted downstairs, whistling. Someone knocked at the door. He had no idea who might be visiting that early, but he opened the door with a smile. A man he didn't know, stood on the porch. Obi didn't much like his expression.

"Father Prescott Randolph?" He put his hand on the storm door. Fortunately, it was locked.

"Who are you?"

"Are you Prescott Randolph?"

Obi glared at him. The man's face grew stony.

"Answer the question."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 29

"I couldn't get comfortable. I was exhausted when I lay down, then I woke up and just lay there."

"That's a terrible feeling. You do look a little better. Where's your sling?"

He held it up with his right hand. "I promise not to do anything. I just need it off for a while. I start feeling claustrophobic."

"You never did like to be contained. Of the three of you, you're the only one who didn't like being swaddled. You'd scream and kick until I set you free."

"I promise not to scream and kick." He kissed her cheek. "Where are Dad and Eric?"

"They've gone to Wynter's, to help with the food moving process."

"I have to say, I'm just as glad to miss that."

Laughing lightly, his mother motioned for him to take a seat. "Sit. I'll get you some coffee."

"I'd rather have something cold."

"I can do cold coffee, if you like."

"No. Water or juice is fine."

"I just made lemonade."

"Perfect. Thanks." He gratefully accepted a glass of the icy, tart drink. Taking a sip, he closed his eyes. "You always make it just right."

"Thank you." She sat, a glass of her own in front of her. "What's on your mind?"

"Does something have to be?"

"Of course it does. You're just like me, your mind is never still. But there's something deeply bothering you."

Obi smiled, fiddling with his glass. "Am I doing the right thing with my life, Mom? I don't know anymore."

"That's just because of that woman—"

"No. I had doubts before I even met Cieran. Did I simply let myself get forced into this, because it was tradition?" His voice cracked as he held back a sob.

Hester took her son's hand. "You know full well how the church screens applicants. Like the Roman Catholic Church, we don't let just anyone in. You have to show proof of a true vocation. If there had been any doubt in Bishop Morelli's mind, he'd never have let you join the seminary. You worked hard, showed how much you wanted this. Why do you doubt?"

"Was I just doing it because it was expected? Did I merely mirror what I saw in my father and grandfather? Is this truly where I belong?"

"I'm sorry, Obadiah. Only you can answer that. But if you're having doubts, take some time off. Go on a retreat. Spend time with the Lord, in solitude. If you come back, believing that you aren't meant for this life, then find something else. If, as I suspect, you simply need a chance to find yourself again, then it will be clear to you."

"You think?"

"I know. Your father had his own crisis, about your age. We'd been married almost ten years, and had two boys, with a third on the way. I don't know if you remember, but there were two others between Clive and Eric, which I lost. It was a miracle that we had Eric. I almost lost him, too. When he was born, so small and premature, your father nearly lost his faith. But as Eric grew and got healthy, he found it again."

"If I have a son, I don't think I can force him to take holy orders."

"Do you feel you were forced? Oh, my darling! I never knew that."

"I never said. I did what was expected."

"We thought you wanted it."

"I don't know. Maybe I did? I feel as if I'm letting my flock down. How can I tell them to believe, have faith, when I'm not sure I do?"

His mother gasped, bursting into tears. There was a rattle at the front door. Both of them wiped their faces, doing their best to pull themselves together.

"It must be Dad. Eagle and Clive don't have that much trouble with the door."

"I suppose."

Getting up, he walked slowly to the door. By the time he got there, his father had the door open. He fumbled with the key, trying to get it out of the lock.

"That lock has been a mess since I was seventeen," he fussed. "I kept telling Dad to fix it, but he never would."

"He told me he did that so he could tell when you boys were getting home. If you were after curfew, he'd meet you on the stairs and read you the riot act."

Prescott burst out laughing. "I always wondered how he did that. Tomorrow, I'm buying you a new doorknob. That can't continue."

"Whatever you like, Dad. What can I help with?"

"Nothing at all. Your brothers and I have it in hand. I'm doing the hard job." He winked, holding up a lightweight bag. "Did you know that girl of yours can bake bread?"

"She's not my girl. And no. I barely know her."

"Get to know her better. She's just what you need." He pushed past his son, greeting his wife with a kiss.

The brothers came next, carrying heavy dishes and cloth bags. The women followed, with lighter items. Each of them stopped to kiss him on the cheek, as he held the door. Clive and Eagle went out for another load.

"Put your sling on," Sarah said, holding it out to him.

He'd forgotten that he'd left it on the table. "Yes, ma'am."

She helped him get it over his head and under his elbow. "You look like a caged beast."

"I feel like one. I'm not used to being out of action. And this thing makes me want to scream and throw things."

"I know. Sit down and rest."

"I'm really sick of resting."

"Maybe so, but your body isn't. When is the last time you had a pain pill?"

"I don't remember."

"Prescott Obadiah Crispin Randolph, what are we going to do with you?"

Recoiling slightly, Obi nearly lost his balance. Catching his hip on the wall, he took a step back from her. "Yikes! How did you learn all that?"

"Wynter."

"Please, don't ever do that again. Only my mother does that."

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Old Time Religion ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes – Part 28

       

"Hmmm.... Not sure I could do that," Obi mused.

"I hope you never can. It was a disgusting display."

"It's hard to get women frothy, when you wear a priest's collar," he chuckled.

"Good. Wear it all the time."

"I might want to froth up a woman, Mother."

Giving a disapproving sniff, she poured the coffee. Eagle came back, helping himself, smiling.

"Sarah sends her love. She's really excited about meeting you both. So am I. I think you're going to like her a lot."

"They will," Obi stated with confidence. "If you all don't mind. I'd like a nap." His muscles screamed in protest, as he struggled to rise.

Eagle hopped up, helping him stand. "I've got him. Come on, gimpy."

"Isn't that rather unsympathetic?" their mother asked.

"Calling him gimpy? Nah. He knows it's said with love."

"If I felt better, I'd deck you," Obi said with a laugh.

Obi settled in the bed, a light throw over him, the drapes drawn. Eagle turned on the ceiling fan.

"I'll wake you when it's time to get ready to go."

"'K. Thanks...."

Smiling, Eagle shut the door quietly. His mother was on the phone when he got downstairs. It took a moment to realize it was his. She was talking animatedly to someone.

"Here he is, dear. So lovely to hear your voice." She handed the phone to her son. "Sarah."

"You answered my phone?" he took it from her, frowning.

"It rang and rang. You know I can't stand that."

"Eagle?" came Sarah's slightly tinny voice from the phone.

"Hi. You talked to my mom? Why didn't you just leave a message?"

"It said your mailbox was full. Besides, how's it a big deal? She's really nice."

"She is. Why did you call?" he tried to keep the irritation from his voice, but failed.

"Get all snippy. Sheesh! I wanted to tell you what to bring tonight. I told your mom instead."

"That wasn't the way I wanted you to meet."

"Don't be silly. We'll meet face to face soon enough. How's Obi?"

"He's doing okay. Tired. He's sleeping right now."

"Good. Wynter suggested having dinner over there."

"What did Mom say to that suggestion?"

"I didn't have a chance to ask her, because Wynter suggested it ten seconds ago. Shall I ask her?"

"I will. One second. Mom, Wynter and Sarah want to know if they should bring dinner over?"

"I think that's a lovely idea. It would probably be easier for your brother."

"She said that's a good idea."

"Good. We'll be there about six-thirty."

"We'll be here."

She giggled. "Well, if you weren't, it would be silly to come over."

"Yeah, it would. See you soon."

"You bet! Bye!"

"Bye." He hung up, looking and feeling rather grumpy.

His mother eyed him, squinting a little. "Why are you so unhappy? I talked to your girlfriend, is that a crime?"

"No, of course not. I just hoped you'd meet face to face first."

"You never even cared if I met the other ones."

"Sarah's different."

"I get that, darling. But really? You're acting like someone stole your lollipop."

Eagle chuckled, nodding. "Yeah. I am. Sorry. They'll be here at six-thirty."

"Excellent. Help me clean up."

"Mom, the house is spotless."

"Do what I tell you. I need to mop the floor, move the table for me."

"Yes, ma'am." He knew better than to argue with his mother. Doing what she said was far easier, and smarter than arguing. That was a no-win situation, which would involve his father.

They worked nearly an hour on the kitchen floor. When all the furniture was back in place, his mother enlisted his help, as well as his father's, in prepping salad fixings. That accomplished, she set about making dessert. They got thrown out of the kitchen for that process, which pleased them both.

Obi slept fitfully, unable to find an entirely comfortable position. He couldn't roll on his side, or lie on his belly, because of his shoulder. Sir had told him he had to wear the sling for at least a week, and he was already sick of it. He'd have cheated on it, but there had always been someone around to watch him. He wasn't going to overdo, he just wanted his hand free. It drove him crazy having to eat and drink with his right hand. Not that he couldn't. At some point in his life, he must have eaten with his right, but fairly early on, he'd switched. He did a lot of things as a lefty, but wrote with his right. He attributed that to his overbearing first grade teacher. He'd gone in ambidextrous, and come out right handed—something he'd never understood.

After about an hour and a half, he got up and went to the bathroom. His image in the bathroom mirror was somewhat off-putting. He could see why his family were pampering him so much.

"That explains the headache," he mumbled. Taking a couple Tylenol, he decided to go downstairs.

His father and brother were nowhere to be seen. He could hear his mother in the kitchen. She had music playing, so he wandered in. She was dancing and singing to Paper Doll by John Mayer. She spun around, seeing him for the first time. Laughing, she turned the music down.

"I wasn't expecting you to be up so soon."

©Dellani Oakes 2023

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