Promise Me

“That’s a shame. She probably would have loved that. How did they live in the same town and not run into each other?” I asked.

“My aunt and her husband moved after Betsy moved out. Jack Ayers was harassing them. My Granddad hated that bastard. So he moved them to Kentucky. It was closer for his work. That is why she never ran into her parents. They’ve been dead a long time,” she informed me.

“Granddad moved to the next town over to avoid Jack too. When my dad, Tebo split from my mom she moved me back to Pointe Royal. That’s how I ended up back here. How is Betsy?” She asked.

“My grandmother died before I was born from a brain tumor,” I replied.

“I’m sorry.” She reached across the table and patted my hand that was lying flat against the table. The one with the ring on it reminding me I needed to introduce her to Skylar, my wife. She was different than I expected. I expected someone harsh and angry. Not sweet and gentle. Almost childlike in her actions.

“This is my wife, Skylar.”

She extended her hand to her. “Hi,” Sky said.

“Ah, I’ve heard of you too. My Maddie adores you. She helped you pick out your wedding dress.”

“I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” she replied smiling for the first time. “It’s hard on the kids that I work here ten hours a day, six days a week.” She sighed. “I always take Sunday off with them though.”

Skylar looked up at me and I could see her surprise as well. When I looked back I was surprised to see my mother standing there watching our interaction. “Mom, this is Delilah LaBenito.”

“I know Delilah. Your dad and I have breakfast here every Saturday morning. Hi honey. How are you?” She patted Delilah’s shoulder.

“Good Mrs. Moore,” she said rising out of the booth so Mom could sit.

“Did you know that she’s Grammy’s niece?”

“Betsy?” Mom stared up into pale blue eyes now she knew why they were oddly familiar.

“Yes,” I answered.

“I did not. Talk about a small world.”

“Ronan was just telling me about our connection. My children talk about Ronan and his wife non-stop. Nick can’t stop talking about Adam who he calls Gramps?”

“That would be my grandfather. He’s Betsy’s husband,” I explained.

“I’d love to meet him sometime. Are ya’ll ready to order or should I come back?”

“I’ll just have some coffee Delilah,” Mom said.

“I’m starving. I’ll take a double cheeseburger with the works,

French fries and a large soda.”

Mom shook her head at me. “One day Ronan, you won’t be able to eat like that. Enjoy it while you can.” I smiled at her.

“I’m fine,” Skylar said. “Maybe an iced tea with a little real sugar.”

“You got it,” Delilah told us before she turned and headed for the kitchen.

My mom was wearing jeans and a hot pink tank and matching hoodie over it. Her long, silver hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She wasn’t wearing make-up but she never needed any. My mom looked younger than she was and she definitely didn’t look like a grandmother of three soon to be four.

“I saw pictures of your wedding,” she said. I realized then that she was uncomfortable. Uncertain of what she wanted to say.

I didn’t know what to say myself. She called this meeting together. I waited on her to speak her mind. Skylar hooked her hand through my arm and I put my hand over hers. Mom tilted her head to the side and watched us. “What Mom?”

“You’re really happy together, aren’t you?”