Chapter Eight
Zeph
I slid the card out of the envelope, a shower of glitter landing on my lap.
Will guffawed and slapped his thigh. “Now you know why I suggested we meet for lunch in the park.”
“I did wonder, but it’s a nice day and you brought great sandwiches, so I wasn’t going to question.
” Will had picked up pastrami on rye and potato salad from a deli with a reputation that spread beyond our town.
“Also, thank you for suggesting I read this before I eat. It made me a little nervous.” Imagine if I’d spilled glitter all over the food.
“If I thought it would ruin your appetite, I’d have made sure you ate first. Now, read it so we can enjoy these.”
“I’ve been wanting to try the deli but hadn’t made it yet. The smell alone has my mouth watering.” That did not mean I was going to set my card aside, however. “Is this from you know who?”
“You have to ask?” Scooting to the far end of the bench, he opened his sandwich and picked up a half. “I hope mustard and pickles are all right?”
“Mm-hmm.” My slacks glittered like Brock’s star picture, but I didn’t care. He’d made me a thank-you card. I assumed for my finding his lunchbox, the item that adorned the front of the card, until I opened it to find another glitter design. “The tracker?”
Will focused on chewing but nodded.
“You told him?”
He swallowed and set the sandwich on the wrapper. “Sammy did. Brock didn’t believe his story about my having a random idea, and he tickled it out of him. I apologize, but I do think it was for the best.”
I parted my lips to argue then closed them before speaking. “I didn’t want to be pushy, make him feel that he had to play with me again if he didn’t want to.”
“Understandable. But according to Sammy, he had a great time with you, and he obviously found your gift of a tracker worthy of glitter art.”
I admired it for a bit longer before carefully sliding the artwork into the envelope. “I have to find a way to display this, so I can enjoy it without…err…losing the effect.”
Will snorted around a mouthful of pastrami. “I recommend a shadow box. And you can spray the card with a special lacquer first. I’ll send you a link to buy it.”
I tucked the card into my laptop case, accepting that a little glitter would permanently live in the padded interior. “So speaks a professional. A link to a good shadow box would also be appreciated.”
He pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “Got it. Done.”
“Thank you.”
Our bench sat under the spreading boughs of a generous shade tree, and I leaned back and let the breeze tickle my cheeks. Lucky no wind had blown while I was admiring the card. Standing, I brushed at my pants then sat again and reached for my sandwich.
“Funny, but I almost never take an actual break to eat,” I mused. “Just gobble granola bars or some kind of delivery while I work.”
“I used to be like that,” he said, spooning up potato salad. “But hanging out with Sammy has taught me to be more protective of my free time and to appreciate it.”
“Maybe I need to get a lunchbox and fill it with tasty things to bring somewhere like this.” I took a big bite and gave a satisfied sigh. The restaurant’s reputation was not overstated. “Delicious.”
“I know. But about the lunchbox? It’s a great idea. Maybe we could put up a video and make it a trend.”
“Which one would you get, if you could pick?” I hadn’t had one since I was a little boy.
By the time I got to middle school, I was buying every day, but before that, I was what my mother called a “picky eater” and preferred what she packed for me.
I especially loved having ice-cold milk in my thermos.
“Good question.” Will ate a couple more bites, finishing off his sandwich.
“You know, I always had school lunch. I don’t think I ever had a lunchbox, but I did covet the Spiderman one my friend had.
Even if he always did bring bologna and cheese.
So, yes, I’d want a superhero one for sure.
Do they still make them, or do we need to find vintage? ”
I cracked up at his serious consideration before pausing. “I don’t know, but I’m starting to understand how a lunchbox can be a real treasure.”
When we were finished with our food and sipping the last of our iced teas, I sighed. “This has been very nice, but I have a meeting in a half hour.”
“I have things to get to as well. Agreed, though. It’s been a nice break in the day.
We should do this more often.” Standing, he gathered his trash.
“You should take a chance with Brock, though. He’s a nice boy and also a good man.
That combination is hard to come by. I got very lucky with Sammy.
We have a good relationship when he’s big or little. ”
I’d seen some of that in action at the munches. “Sammy is pretty great. So, do you think it would be all right if I took a chance and contacted Brock? I don’t need to just go to Chained and wait for him to make the first move?”
“Zeph, the first move is currently shedding glitter in your briefcase. What are you waiting for? You’ve got an engraved invitation.”
“Why are you so smart?” I opened the case again and pulled out a legal pad. I’d have to count on my words to convey my thoughts. With less sparkle. Then I put it back. “I’ll call you later and have something Sammy can pass back to Brock.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for you to just speak to him?”
I shrugged. “I want to be sure. Can’t you pass just one more note?”
“I’m starting to regret getting involved.” His smile belied the comment. “All right. Just hurry up before I change my mind.”
What I had in mind to send probably wouldn’t mean anything to Will or almost anyone else. But I hoped it would to Brock because he already had a piece of my daddy heart.