Lance knocked on the door. “Can I come in?”
Zane didn’t answer.
Lance inched closer. “I heard there was a fight. Want to talk about it?”
“No.” Zane didn’t look at him, but Lance could hear the pain in his voice.
Lance sat on the vinyl floor across from the boy, cross-legged. How could he not see himself in Zane? Wanting to shut out the world. Wanting to get away and be his own person. He couldn’t relate to Zane’s situation fully, but he could try.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with your dad, would it?” Lance tried again.
Zane didn’t respond.
Lance leaned in closer. “You can talk to me, Zane. You know that.”
The boy wiped his nose. “He left. Mom says he’s not coming back.”
Lance’s skin prickled. He never understood some fathers abandoning their children. “I hate to hear that. Is that what started the fight?”
Zane nodded. “Andre said my dad didn’t want me. I hit him.”
Lance rubbed his chin. “I’ll have a talk with Andre, but you know that’s not true. I’m sure your dad loves you.”
“You sound like my mom. She said he’s going through a lot and needs time. But...”
“But what?” Lance asked.
“Did I do something? Did he leave because of me?”
Lance shook his head. “I don’t believe that.” He sighed. “Adults do things sometimes that kids don’t understand. I think the best thing you can do is to be there for your mom.”
Zane nodded.
Lance gave a slight smile. “So, how about you go to the restroom and clean your face. I’ll have a talk with Andre.” He held out his fist, and the boy bumped it with his.
Zane got up on his feet and walked into the hall. Lance met Sadie outside the door.
“Nicely done,” she said.
Lance smiled. “I try.”
“I think you will make a great dad one day. I hope Andrea knows she’s getting a catch.” Sadie patted his arm and walked back to her desk.
Lance released a deep breath. Him. A father. He rubbed at his neck, ignoring the constricting in his throat. “I’ll be back. I need to talk to Andre.”
***
Sitting at the bar, Lance watched as blenders whirred with colorful concoctions. Customers talking over sports, laughing, along with the clinking of ice in highball glasses filled his ears. He detected nachos and hot wings in the air, but settled for a nearby bowl of pretzels.
A guys’ night was a good way to unwind. He didn’t have to think about work. Andrea. Chantelle. He could relax with his friends.
He had blocked out Sadie’s words. I think you will make a great dad. After talking with Andre, he had the two boys shake hands. By the time Lance left, the boys were playing basketball again on the court outside.
Was that a sign he could be a good parent? He didn’t know. Lance sipped from his glass. The cold liquid relieved his dry mouth.
“Feeling better?” Grant asked, slapping him on the back.
“Sure.” Lance bobbed his head.