Ask Me Why(25)

Ollie studies every square inch with wide eyes and newfound curiosity. I take a lazy look around while waiting for someone to check on us.

“I’m glad your dad had a meeting.”

Ollie wrinkles his nose. “Why? They’re boring.”

I nudge him with my elbow. “Because I got to bring you here.”

“I told my daddy that he had to let you take care of me. I wasn’t going to talk to him for a whole hour if he didn’t.” His broad grin says it all. Appears father and son have a similar stubborn streak.

“Well, I’m very glad he listened to you.”

Maude—a very familiar face—saunters up to us and leans an elbow on the counter. “Hey, Braelyn. Who’s this handsome guy?”

Ollie blinks at the older woman. “You look like Mary.”

Maude fluffs her graying curls. “She must be lovely.”

His dimples are Oscar-worthy. “Uh-huh, she really is.”

She gives his cheek a light pinch. “You’re sweet as sugar, cutie pie. What’s your name?”

He sticks out his little hand. “I’m Oliver, but you can call me Ollie.”

“Oh, my! Such a gentleman. I’m Maude. Welcome to Dapper Diner.” She gestures around the buzzing space.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Maude.”

A wrinkled hand flutters to her chest. “Well, color me stunned. The feeling is very mutual. You’re something special, kiddo. Your parents must be very proud.”

Ollie sits up straight, his smile wilting ever so slightly. “It’s just my dad. But he tells me I’m very well behaved.”

Maude laughs. “Well, he’s right. You’re brighter than the sun. Don’t lose that spunk, Ollie.”

He’s beaming at her again, the expression more than fitting. She passes him a kid’s menu and a cup full of crayons. Maude gives me a raised eyebrow, gesturing to a glossy stack of menus, and I shake my head. She winks at me.

“I’ll be back in a few,” she says and walks off.

Ollie’s forehead is adorably crinkled when I glance over at him. He studies the paper in front of him. “I can’t read very well yet. Miss Heather, my preschool teacher, says I’m super smart and ready for kindergarten. But I can’t sound out all the words.”

“I’ll order for you so it’ll be a surprise. Do you trust me?”

His nod is enthusiastic. “Yep, so much.”

Warmth spreads through my chest. “I hope you never lose that.”

The creases on Ollie’s brow make a reappearance. “I don’t get it.”

I laugh. “Never mind, kiddo. Just stay happy.”

“That’s easy!”

“It definitely can be,” I whisper.

“Why do you look sad sometimes?”

I falter at that, searching for an explanation. “What do you mean?”

He leans closer. “I’ve seen you frown a lot. Your eyes look wet sometimes. That means you were crying. What’s wrong, Miss Braelyn?”

This boy catches far more than most adults. I attempt a smile, but my lips tremble. “I lost someone very close to me years ago. Sometimes, when I think about him, I get a little blue.”

Ollie’s eyes are wide. “Did he die?”

My nod is slow. “He did. We were in an accident.”

“But you’re okay.”

“Yes, I survived.” Somewhat, at least.

He picks up a blue crayon, twirling it between his fingers. “My mom has never been around. She left right after I was born.”

I rub his back. “I’m really sorry to hear that, Ollie.”

His slim shoulders lift. “It’s like I lost her. But I never really had her. I’m not even sure what she looks like. My dad doesn’t have any pictures.”

Jeez, no wonder we have a connection.

I’m in the center of a minefield without a map. I bounce my knee and consider what direction to take. “Do you, uh, ever wonder about her?”

His mouth pulls up on one side. “Meh, not really. Only when my friends have their moms around. And they’re all super nice to me so it’s okay. My daddy told me she’s very busy helping others.”

A fissure cracks my sternum and makes a bit more space for him. “I bet she’s very sad with her choice. You’re a great kid, Ollie. And you’re loved by many.”

He draws a perfect heart on his menu. “Yeah, I’m lucky. My dad tells me we don’t need her. His heart beats twice as hard for me to cover for her part.”

There’s a hitch in my breath. I fall a little in love with Brance Stone in that moment. Heaven help me.

Ollie doesn’t notice my strangled rasps. “He’s a really good dad. Even though he works a lot, we spend a lot of time together. He always tries really hard to make me laugh.”

“That’s very nice of him.” I’m glad there’s a soft side to Brance.

“Are you married?”

Ollie’s question catches me off guard. “What?”

On instinct, my gaze drops to my hand. Some phantom sensation has me looking specifically at my ring finger. But it’s bare, of course. That clear fact is a stake straight to my shattered heart.

He tries again. “Do you have a husband?”