Dots and Zeros [Completed]

8. Madeline

'And then he canceled our appointment.'

'That sucks,' I say.

I'm having lunch with Ramona in the break room. The two of us have our own table. I was on my phone before she sat down on the opposite chair with two cups of coffee in her hands.

It's a nice day. I asked her if there's some sort of roof terrace. She told me it was clear I worked in California before this.

'If he keeps doing this, I'm never gonna see my son ever again,' Ramona continues. 'He doesn't hate me, does he?'

'No, no. I feel like children can't ever truly hate you. Why can't you come to him?'

'I don't want to force myself on him. I wouldn't want my own parents to just show up.'

'Are they still alive?'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'Nothing. Never mind.'

She laughs and takes a sip from her coffee.

'They're dead. And yes, I'm old. But I know when I lived on my own and had my own life and family, I wouldn't want my mom to invite herself over.'

'Yeah, I can see that. I'm visiting my parents this weekend. I'd rather know that beforehand and have it under my own control, you know. I wouldn't want to come home to find my parents sitting on my couch and watching my TV.'

'Exactly. Where do your parents live? Far from here?'

'No, just across the border with New York. The state.'

'That's pretty close. But you worked in California before this. Did you meet up with them then?'

'Not once. Sam was pretty happy about that. I'm not sure how to feel about that, but alright.'

'Who's Sam? Boyfriend?'

'My child. They're seventeen.'

Ramona's eyebrows rise.

'You have a child? I didn't know that.'

'That's probably because I didn't tell you before.'

'Makes sense. But, uhm...'

Her eyes go to my hands wrapped around the mug.

'What?' I say.

'No ring?'