Page 58 of Let's Call a Truce
“Of course. Plus, it will give me a chance to meet Ben in person.”
Her tone said she was already planning our wedding, and I cringed, knowing she was going to make things awkward. As we hung up, I turned to Ben and preemptively apologized.
“She’s going to be a lot when we see each other at the airport, but it all comes from a good place.”
He laughed and squeezed my hand gently. “Don’t worry. She won’t scare me off. Let’s take that run. See if you can keep up.”
We followed the same path as before, looping around the lake a few times. Even in March, the weather was heating up, close to unbearable, and I wouldn’t be able to do this much longer and still look presentable at work afterward.
We talked as we ran, and I was shocked to find I enjoyed it as much as the silent, reflective running I normally pushed for. We traded stories of our kids, laughing at Sophie and Paris’s obsession with each other and commiserating over how hard it is to be a single parent. My friends were all so supportive, but most were either married or didn’t have kids. Talking with Ben made me feel understood in a way I hadn’t since Jason died.
He never brought up Paris’s mother. The subtle questions I’d used to try to broach the topic were passed over, and I didn’t think I had the right to push after constantly putting distance between us. I hoped he would eventually volunteer the information, but until then, I had to show him the same patience he’d shown me.
A week later, I stood with my parents and girls in the center of Orlando International Airport, waiting for Ben and Paris to arrive. We had gotten to the airport early, and I was fluctuating between wanting him there early, too, to make sure we caught our flight, and wanting him to arrive late, so my mom had limited time for her interrogation.
“So tell me about this Ben.” My mom kept scanning the crowd even though she did not know what he looked like.
“He’s the vice president of architecture, so he’s helping me with the internship program. The school wanted us both there for the interviews.”
“Yeah, but what about him?”
“He’s nice. He’s close with Asia, too, but we didn’t become friends until the girls met.” I realized the truth then. Whatever else there was between us, I did consider him a friend.
“Is he handsome?”
I groaned. “Yes, mother, he is handsome.”
“Do you like him?”
“Mom.”
“What? I’m just curious! A handsome single dad with a daughter who’s already best friends with one of yours? How could I not consider the possibility?”
“Sophie!” a small voice screeched from across the airport, saving me from this conversation. A flash of pink darted in front of me and tackled my youngest. Both girls laughed as they tumbled down. I turned around to see Ben walking toward us, one hand rolling his suitcase while the other was tucked in his pocket. He smiled widely at me, and I couldn’t help my answering smile.
“That’s who you are going to Boston with?”
“Yes, for work, Mom.”
“Does KMG have any open positions right now?”
I smiled and shook my head as he reached our group.
“Ben, it is so nice to meet you in person. Sophie is ecstatic Paris is staying with us.”
He smiled at Paris. “The feeling is mutual, I assure you. Thank you, Sue, for agreeing to keep her. She wasn’t excited about me leaving town, and she’ll be so much happier with Sophie. Juliana’s lucky to have her parents so close.”
He turned to my dad, shaking his hand firmly and introducing himself before turning back to me. I could practically see the questions flying through my mom’s mind, and I jumped in before she could ask Ben about his goals and what he values in a partner.
“It’s getting close to our flight,” I said to Ben. “We should get going.”
We actually had almost an hour until take off, but I wanted to give my mom as little time as possible to embarrass me.
“Give me a second to say bye, and we’ll head through security.”
I gave both my girls a big hug and kiss and thanked my parents again. My mom gave me a hug, saying, “Have fun,” in a singsong whisper.
I mimicked back, “It’s work,” but we both chuckled.
