39. Ben
THIRTY-NINE
Ben
A t dinner I tell Willow, “Jonny’s staying at Mom and Dad’s tonight.”
Her eyebrows rise flirtatiously. “Oh really?”
I smirk, “You know what that means.”
“My room will be vacant tonight.”
“Definitely.” And for many nights to come.
She returns to the kitchen to continue cleaning up.
I cross to Dad who’s wrapping up leftovers. “Can I talk to you?”
We leave without another word, exiting to the front porch. As soon as the front door closes tight I tell him, “Thanks for watching Jonny all of these times. You won’t have to for much longer.”
Dad stares at me. “Is there a reason?”
“I’m asking Willow to move in with me tonight.”
His grin comes slow. “Well well well. I’m guessing you and Jonny had a conversation that ended well. ”
“Before school today, yeah. He said he thinks he could love her, too.”
Dad claps his hand on my shoulder, then doubles-down by pulling me in for a bear hug. “That’s great, Ben!”
“Think she’ll say yes?” I joke.
He laughs. “No. She hasn’t shown she cares about you at all.”
“Nah, not at all.”
“She’s wildly in love with you.”
“Has been since the first night,” I confirm.
“You already told each other.”
“Yeah, we’ve kept that quiet until I could tell my son.”
Dad nods. “I like how you’ve handled all of this. I’m proud of you. No one has a rule book for divorce.”
I exhale. “How could they? They’re all different.”
“You know what, Ben? I’m proud to call you my son.”
A smile spreads on me. “Thanks Dad. That means a lot. I’ve always been proud you’re my dad.”
He smiles and pulls me in for another hug, clapping my back. “I love you, Ben.”
“I love you, too, Dad.”
We separate and are silent, staring out at the ranch until I say, “I haven’t told Mom. I think Willow will want to explain how she’ll still work here, just not live. That’s my plan at least.”
“That’s her side of the street, yeah, to talk to Sylvia and your mom.” he nods, understanding. “But I’ll have to tell your mother in a parent capacity.” After a laugh, he confesses, “I want to see her face. She’ll be ecstatic.”
We head inside and I walk over, give Jonny a kiss on his head before he heads over to their house.
“G’night Mom,” I smirk with a hug for her.
“What’s that face?”
“Nothing.”
With suspicion she eyes me. “Okay then. Goodnight honey.” Her attention flips to Dad. “You ready?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve got that same look.”
“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”
She mutters, “Hmph,” disbelieving.
In the kitchen I walk up behind Willow, slide my arms around her. “I have to run back to the house. I’ll come back and get you in about fifteen.”
“You don’t want to wait while I grab my things? Save yourself a trip?”
“No, I forgot something there.”
“Oh,” she frowns, slightly confused. “Okay.”
“See you in a bit.”
Takes me about twenty minutes to return and as I walk inside, I find Willow and Sylvia drinking chamomile tea on one of the sofas, laughing about something. “What’s funny?”
Willow looks to her boss and friend. “You want to tell him?”
Sylvia rolls her eyes. “I went on a date last night. Met him online and when I got there I discovered he was in his 90’s.”
“You didn’t know this?”
“I wouldn’t have gone on the date!” Gesturing with her hands she cries out, “I’m older than you but not by that much! I need someone in my age range. Early seventies is my oldest, but I’d prefer sixties. Keep it in the same decade.”
“But why did you go then? I don’t get it.”
“He posted pictures someone took thirty years ago! He was acting like I wouldn’t be able to tell! I told him, I love your honesty.”
I crack up. “Nice.”
“Thirty-year-old pictures.” She shifts her weight on the seat. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. You’re not in your sixties, honey. Just own who you are.”
Willow offers, “I would think there are older women looking for a boyfriend if he’d just be honest.”
Sylvia cries out “Right?!” and sighs.
Willow rises, “I’ll see you tomorrow,” and starts for her cup.
“I’ve got that. You go be with your man.”
“You sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
I hold out my hand, an anticipation building in me that she doesn’t know about. “Come on.”
Willow smiles, now knowing the story of how Dad used to say that to Mom, and that she could never say no to him when he did. It’s one of the reasons they got together .
Sliding the strap of her overnight bag onto her shoulder, Willow says, “I’m ready.”
I tug it back down, put it on my own. “Let me carry your burdens.”
Sylvia sighs, “You guys. I just love you.”
“We love you, too. See you tomorrow, Syl.”
Willow gives a little, friendly wave, “Good night Sylvia.” Outside she sees my Jeep. “Didn’t you come over in the truck?”
Shit, she knows I always drive the Jeep on special occasions. Not wanting to give it away I give a white lie. “Got tired of driving the truck.”
“Ah,” Willow nods, climbing in before I close the door. I stare at her profile until she turns and looks at me from the seat.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she smiles. “You’re a full-on hunk.”
I laugh, and walk around to climb in, muttering, “Full-on hunk, huh?”
Driving over, I listen to her tell me more of Sylvia’s story, how she politely stayed for an appetizer but said she wasn’t hungry and couldn’t stay for more. When he asked if it was because he was older, she said no, it was because he hadn’t been honest.
The whole time I’m having a hard time listening because I’m getting more and more worked up, knowing what I’m about to ask her. And how I’m asking.
At my place, we walk in. I set her bag on the coffee table, and take her hand. “This way.”
We walk upstairs to my room.
I turn the handle.
Open the door for her.
Slowly.
Oh so slowly.
The love of my life covers her mouth.
Her breath catches.
She gasps.
And walks inside.