43. Gabe
43
GABE
I heat up water for tea. “Remember that woman who came by the other day?”
My pops laughs. “The one you’re in love with?”
Yeah, he’s all here today.
“That’s the one.” I pour the hot water into a mug with a tea bag.
He winks. “She’s a pretty lady. And she has it bad for you too.”
“Does she?”
He nods sagely. “It’s not as if everything gets past me. Sure, some things do. But love? Little glances? I was a sly fox myself once, and I didn’t win Emily over by being obtuse about women.”
Laughing, I ask, “How did you win her over?”
He tuts, shaking his head. “Young people.” He motions for me to come closer.
I leave the mug on his kitchen counter to steep and join him on the couch.
“Closer.”
I scoot over, waiting to receive his wisdom.
He clasps a hand on my shoulder. “Put your heart on the line, young man.”
“But how? How should I do it?”
He huffs like he can’t quite believe whippersnappers today. “Just tell her you love her. That’s all you can do. If she’s going to toss you to the wind, she’ll toss you, but if you haven’t been clear, be clear . Back in my day, we didn’t futz around the way your generation does. When I knew I loved Emily, it was plain and simple. I spelled it out.”
And that’s when I know what to do.
But holy hell, it takes fucking forever.