13
Watching Blaire leave with her daughter and ex-husband sends my heart racing. I want to run after her and tell her we can find a way to be together. But I don’t. I sit with Mom and spend time enjoying our Sunday brunch together.
“May I take these plates?” a familiar voice asks.
I look up and there stands Candace, my classmate.
“Hey, Candace. I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Yeah, I just started this week. I needed some extra money for books and stuff. You know all the other things a partial scholarship won’t cover.” She smirks.
“Yes, I know. That’s why I work at The Oasis.” I slide the empty plates to the end of the table for Candace to put on her tray.
“Jaden, who is this pretty girl?” Mom pipes in.
“Oh, this is Candace. She’s one of my culinary classmates.”
“It’s nice to meet you, dear.” Mom smiles and pats Candace’s arm.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Lugo.” Candace smiles as she stacks the dirty plates on the tray. Before she turns to leave, she asks, “Jaden, are you free for coffee some day this week after class?”
My mom clears her throat and smiles at me. I don’t have an interest in anyone other than Blaire. But I don’t think having coffee is really a date. So, I look at Candace and say, “Sure. We could go over notes from class.”
Candace’s face lights up. “Great. How’s Wednesday for you?”
“Sounds good. The coffee shop on campus?” I ask.
“Yeah. Right after my last class at two?”
I nod as she steadies the large black tray on both her arms and walks away from us.
“She’s cute, Jaden,” Mom says, then sips on the rest of her coffee.
“Yeah. She’s nice.” I shrug and think, but she’s not Blaire.
A few minutes later, I ask Mom, “Are you ready to go? You’ve got me all day, so what’s next on the agenda?”
“It’s a beautiful day today. Let’s go to the park and go for a walk. You can tell me all about Miss Turner, Candace, your other classmates, and classes.”
“Okay, Mom. Whatever you want.” I smile and stand from my chair. Walking around to her side of the table, I hold her chair for her to stand.
At the car, I open the door for her, and she smiles wide as she gets into the car.
“What, Mom?”
“I’m so proud of the young man you are, honey. That’s all.” She pats my arm before I close the door and walk around to the driver’s side.
Sliding in behind the wheel, I turn the key and start the car, then drive us to the neighborhood park near our home.
While at the park, Mom and I slowly walk the mile-long trail, then stop at the building which houses snack and drink vending machines. I get us each a pack of crackers and a bottled water. Taking a seat on one of the wooden benches close by, I lean back and stretch my legs out in front of me.
Mom touches my arm and pinches it.
“So, Jaden. Tell me all about Miss Turner.”
I’m not about to tell my mother about Blaire, but I can tell her about Miss Turner. I pat Mom’s hand and say, “She’s great. She’s smart and patient with all of us. She’s hands on with us when we need her to be. And to be honest, she is my favorite.”
“I’m glad you like her. But you know how to do all the basics in preparing and cooking. I taught you.” She tugs on my hand and smiles.
“Some of the techniques are new to me, Mom. And Bl—, I mean, Miss Turner. She’ll instruct us one on one.” I side-eye glance at my mom, then stand and hold my hand for her. I really want to end this conversation before I say something I don’t want to.
“Ready to head home? I’m sure Dad has messed up the TV by now.”
“You’re probably right.” Mom takes my hand and I slide my other hand to her elbow, gently helping her up from the bench.
After helping Mom into the passenger side, I slide in the driver’s side. Before I start the car, my mom says, “You like her a lot more than you’re telling me, Jaden. I’m your mother. I know these things.”
I let out a breath and say, “Yeah, Mom. I do.” I nod and look at her.
She pats my arm and says, “Be patient, son. If it’s meant to be, you’ll find a way to be with her when the time is right.” She pinches my forearm and smiles.
My heart flutters and beats rapidly, hearing my mom give me permission to be with Blaire one day. I know Mom is right, but patience has never been my strong suit and I crave Blaire’s touch too much to wait. How I fell in love with Blaire Turner so quickly is beyond what I know about love, but I know I’m head over heels in love with that incredible woman.
I need her like fish need water to breathe. Like the oceans need the moon directing the tides. Like we need gravity to stay on this earth. I fucking need her.