Someone Else's Ocean(60)

“Mom…”

“Yes?”

“I just want you to know I love you. And I’m a lucky bastard to have you as a mother.”

“Oh, God. You aren’t going to hurt yourself, are you?”

“No, of course—”

“Ian, don’t do this to me, to Ella. Don’t do anything rash. You have so much waiting for you here.”

Though untimely because of her worry, I couldn’t help my laughter. “I obviously need to tell you these things more often. Of course, I’m not going to do anything like that.”

“Promise me, Ian. If things get so bad you have those thoughts…”

“That worry is unnecessary I assure you, but I promise. Take care of Dad and I’ll call you soon.”

“Liar, you never phone.”

“Once a week, that’s a new promise.”

Her sarcasm leaked over the line. “I’ll believe that, sure.”

“I’ll make you a believer.”

“How are you and Koti getting along?”

“Fine,” I said with a grimace. “We’ve been doing a lot of catching up.” Though wildly inappropriate while speaking with my mother, I couldn’t help to think of the look in her eyes when I had her clinging to me just a day before.

“You know we saw her last year. The poor thing looked malnourished. She’s so beautiful though, don’t you think?”

“I do,” I said as gravel filled my throat. “Very beautiful.”

“Yes, a little bit dazzling.”

“Dazzling…” I faltered as Koti walked out of her house and began to light her candles before reggae started drifting through her speakers.

“She’s such a beautiful spirit. Maybe you could take her out sometime? From what your dad and I saw, she doesn’t venture out much.”

“If you saw her, I think you would agree she’s come a long way since the last time you were here.”

“That’s so good to know. So… do you think you two might be starting up more than a friendship?”

“I’ve got to go, Mom.”

“Oh, come on! I’m an old lady, tell me something good. She finds you attractive, doesn’t she?” she asked in a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you two flirting? Tell me anything.”

“Ella made the honor roll.”

“You are a right shit.”

“You’re cursing a lot.” Much like the other woman in my life that I seemed to bring out the worst in.

“It’s hot as hell here, it makes me crazy.”

“Don’t get me started on Dad’s geographical choice to migrate.”

“Adam was worth it. Did you know your brother is seeing a waitress at a bar called The Hooters?”

I chuckled. “It’s just Hooters, Mom. No ‘The’ before it.”

“He won’t let us meet her. We offered to go. I think your dad and I might pop in as a surprise.”

“I’m pretty sure Dad will enjoy it.”

“Really, do they serve good food?”

“The best,” I said, smiling. Adam was about to be humiliated.

“Right then, it’s settled.”

“Let me know how it goes,” I said doing my best to conceal my smile.

She was too sharp. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing Mom, enjoy The Hooters.”

“If you say so. I’m sure I will. Love you, son.”

“Love you.”

I hung up and made my way toward the house. Koti read in the safety of her hammock and didn’t bother to glance my way when I stepped up on my porch to let Disco out.

She couldn’t avoid me forever, and at the same time, a few days apart might give us both perspective. We were only in danger of becoming closer.

Thursday she would be forced to make conversation, to look at me, to talk to me.

Thursday.





SCRUBBING MY STOVE, I WAS nervous in a way I hadn’t been in years. Ian and I had barely looked at each other since my parents left. Well, I’d barely looked at him. I knew I was being a little childish. He told me he didn’t want to get involved and I understood it to a degree but being a friend with benefits required him to be a friend. I couldn’t help my anger at his decision to leave me hanging knowing my whole story. Pushing past it for the greater good, I decided to try and put my hurt aside to make the trip the best I could for Ian and his friends, even if I was irritated with him. Two sharp knocks at my door had me pulling my rubber gloves off. I opened it with a smile only to have the wind knocked out of me by the sight of him. Disco barked at my feet as Ian’s scowl and shitty greeting quickly erased all my good intentions.

“They’re pulling up and you don’t have any clothes on!”

“I live at the beach. These are my clothes.”

“A bikini isn’t clothes. Get something else on, now.”

“Hello to you too. I agree the house looks nice. I’ve been cleaning all day. You’re welcome.”

“It’s appreciated

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“Koti,” he said in warning. “We don’t have time to argue.”