Winter Season

That decision

Oscar stressed all the way home about how to handle this. He didn’t want a fight. On the other hand, he didn’t want her to not try. She was right; she hadn’t even got the job. He didn’t want her to resent him. He loved her so much.

She had shot him a text before he left about dinner. He walked into her living room with his heart on his sleeve. But she wasn’t in the living room, or the kitchen. The timer was ticking away telling him that dinner would be ready in five minutes. In an instant he knew where she was, the back door was cracked. She didn’t turn around when he stepped outside.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” she answered. Her voice was flat.

He stood beside her. “Chaz paid me a visit today.”

“I thought he might.”

“What prompted you to go ahead and call him?”

“You are visibly uncomfortable with me returning to my old life. I’ll find something to do.”

She turned away walking back into the kitchen as the timer started to ring. A piping hot tray of pork chops was pulled from the oven with cornbread stuffing.

“Did you know that he had a thing for you?”

“Yeah,” she answered as she plated up the pork chops and mashed potatoes. “I never would allow him to act on it. Working with someone you’re dating is a nightmare.”

“He would delight in stumpin’ my ass.”

“I know.”

He got two drinks from the fridge, setting them on the table. He took her by the shoulders, “Ess please,” he looked deep into her eyes.

“I don’t have to beat you up over this. You are doin’ a good enough job for me.”

They sat at the table, “I don’t know what to say.”

“One, I’ve been out of the game too long. When Chet was talking about the changes in the law the other day, it was amazing. I knew changes were coming but they seem to be radical to me. Two, my left shoulder is a mess. It is a huge liability.  You saw evidence of this. Three, the last couple years have been hard on my nerves and my body. Waiting for the ball to drop has added thirty pounds to my waist line, at least untold gray hairs to my head. Four, I’m not going to add undo stress to our relationship/marriage if it doesn’t have to be there.”

Oscar was dumbfounded. His stomach reminded him of just how hungry he was.

There was a knock at the door. To Esther’s amazement, it was Pam. “Come in. O, you’re mother.” She called to him.

Oscar’s heart was already on his sleeve. Now his stomach was on the floor. His mother looked sad. “Mom?”

“I won’t stay long. I heard down at the store that you two are engaged. Is it true?” Her voice was steady, monotone almost.

“It is.” Oscar was trying really hard to remain calm.

“Congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you know you’re an uncle again?”

“I knew she was pregnant.”

“A girl this time, Josette.”

“I’m sure dad would be thrilled.”

“You haven’t called in a long time.”

“I usually don’t call people that fire guns into my house and wound my fiancée. I don’t interact with people that pack lies and try to start fights under my own roof.” She didn’t say a word. “What did you tell him mom? What did you tell Oat that made him mad enough to try to start a fight with me? What did you tell him that would in-sight enough rage that he shot into my house?”

She turned and left. “How do you like that?”Oscar retreated to the back porch.

While it was still fresh in her mind, she wrote a statement for Chet just in case his mother tried to start something.  She then wrapped up what was left of dinner. Oscar was sitting in a chair with his head in his hands. It had started raining. He either didn’t notice or didn’t care.

“What can I do?”

He whispered, “I don’t know.” She put her arms around his shoulders as she laid her head on top of his. His heart was breaking. She was right here. The warmth from her touch was inviting.  After a few minutes, she left him alone, figuring he needed time to sort out his emotions. He has just had two balls drop; one much worse than the other. She finished cleaning up the kitchen.

Winter Season