Filed to story: Love on the Sidelines (Natalie & Karl)
“I decided to see if my kid was holding you hostage,” Karl said. “He’s been here over an hour.”
“You shouldn’t have waited. I can take him home when he’s ready to go.”
“Hey, Dad. Look at this. I helped Natalie make pizza.” Karl gave me a half-grin and squeezed through the door in spite of my arm partially blocking the entrance. “So that’s what I smelled.” He pulled a chair out and sat down next to Daniel. “Looks good, too. Are those pickled banana peppers on top?” Daniel’s brow wrinkled. “Yeah. I wasn’t too sure about those, but Natalie says she puts them on all the time. Want a soda?”
I sighed. It would seem Karl was staying for supper, whether I wanted him to or not. I couldn’t throw him out on his ear with his son watching. “I’ll get it.” I motioned Daniel back to his seat. While I was getting the soda, I got another place setting and joined them, noting the way they were looking at the forks then at each other, amusement sparkling in their eyes.
“If you want to burn your fingers off, it’s fine with me,” I declared loftily. “But I’m eating in a civilized manner.”
They shot me identical grins before they charged the pan like racehorses released from the starting gate.
“You’d think no one ever feeds you,” I grumbled, using a spatula to slide a wedge-shaped slice onto my plate.
“Bowie does all the cooking at home,” Daniel spoke around a full mouth.
“He used to be a mess hall sergeant,” Karl added. “And it shows. No matter what he cooks, it all tastes the same. Like shoe leather covered in paste. I still have dreams about your Aunt Jane’s fried chicken and your mother’s cornbread.”
“Guess what, Dad? Natalie wants me to work for her. Is it okay?” Karl frowned. “You’re a little young to hold down a job, aren’t you?” I swallowed quickly. “It’s won’t be full-time. Just a few hours in the afternoon until school starts. It will give him a chance to meet some of the kids in town, and make a little money, too.”
“He doesn’t need the money.”
“And I didn’t imply he did.” I bristled, glaring at Karl. “Anyone who works for me gets paid.”
“Come on, Dad. She said I could work in the electronic department where all the kids hang out.”
Karl’s expression softened as he looked at his son. “Daniel, you don’t know what the people in this town can be like.”
“Yes, I do.” His eyes, so much like Karl’s, got a stubborn glint and his chin squared.
“And I know they aren’t ever going to change their minds about us if we don’t make them. I’m not gonna hide, Dad.”
Karl stayed silent while I looked at Daniel in amazement. I’d seen adults crumble under the weight of the town’s disapproval. They could have taken lessons from this boy.
Finally, Karl nodded. “As long as you know what you’re letting yourself in for.”
“I do, and I’m not worried.”
“Then I guess you’ve got yourself a job.” Karl glanced at me. “I’ll help you clean up.”
“Thanks, but there’s not that much. I can handle it.”
“I insist. After all, you cooked.”
Daniel stood. “Can I go check out the Chevy’s motor?” For once, I didn’t mind being alone with Karl. “Help yourself.” I smiled as Daniel hurried out the door.
Standing, I gathered the plates and carried them to the sink. “He’s a great kid.
You’ve done a good job with him.”
Karl gave me a wry smile as he picked up the now empty pizza pans and followed me to the sink. “I don’t think I had much to do with it. He’s been that way since he was born. He’s taught me more than I have him. It never occurred to me to stand up to the people in Morganville when I was growing up.”
“It wouldn’t have Daniel either, if he’d been raised the way you were. You gave him the confidence to stand up to them. And you were right. He’s a tough kid.”
“Maybe.” He still looked troubled. “I just hope he’s tough enough.”
“If it will help, I’ll keep an eye on him.”
He picked up the drying towel and shook his head. “No. Let him handle it himself.
It’s what he wants.”
My curiosity took control of my mouth as I watched him. “If you were so worried about what this would do to him, why did you come back?” He stopped, the plate he was drying ridiculously tiny in his hands, and focused his gaze on mine. “Daniel and Lindsey talked me into it. I guess they know this is home to me, whether I like it or not. My roots are here, and always will be.” I tore my gaze away and continued washing the dishes. “Daniel feels guilty for keeping you away so long.”
“I know.” He went back to drying, putting the dishes away as he finished them.
“I’m working on it.”
“Good.” I let the water out of the sink and rinsed the suds down the drain. “All done.”