This Love: A Frank Adler Story

Twelve

Frank and I sat on the couch while Mary opened her gift from Evelyn.

A brand new MacBook. Great.

I looked at Mary as she gawked at it. Evelyn was obviously disappointed by our living conditions. I kept it clean and had pictures and nice decorations. It was just small.

"So Avery, I see you're still in nursing."

"Yes."

"Great job for you. You're a sweet girl. No sort of subjects needed for that."

I didn't say anything.

"Mary I understand you like mathematics. There's a great book on there by Charles Zimmer on advanced mathematics."

"Yeah. Good book." She said. "But I'm on timeout from my math books cause Auntie Avery said."

"You're saying you've read it?" She asked.

"Moved onto differential equations."

"Don't forget your manners Mary. Thank your grandma." I said.

"Thank you grandma." She said.

"Oh no. Grandmother or Evelyn is just fine."

I hated her and her little accent.

"Well Mary it is a school night and there is homework to do and we're gonna get some dinner ready so say goodnight to grandmother or Evelyn." Frank said.

"Goodnight."

Frank walked Evelyn out. I sighed.

"Do you know her?"

"Mhm."

"Cause you were my moms friend."

"Correct."

She nodded. I got up and went to the kitchen to start on dinner. Frank came back in a few minutes later. He kissed my cheek before going to look at Mary. I came in and rubbed his back. He sighed. She was hard at work on her computer already.

"We have a lunch with Evelyn tomorrow."

I nodded.

———

"So, are you teaching down here?" Evelyn asked.

"I repair boats. Pretty good at it."

"And the marriage. Must've been a little fun spree for the both of you."

"Yes Evelyn. Waiting seven years before getting married is just on a whim. No strings attached."

"Your job explains the skin. You look like you're one uv ray away from melanoma. Where is the sunscreen?"

"I wear sunscreen." Frank said.

"Not enough. Obviously."

"Alright. Cut to the chase. Why are you here?"

"Oh no more small talk? That's a shame I love catching up with my son that chooses not to call."

"Mhm." He said.

"Well then, the environment that you have both created for that child is not what she deserves. That small cramped house. No room for her. The dainty beach setting masking the fact that it is just two people that don't know how to raise a child living with a genius."

"Diane did not want you to have her." I said.

"Diane did not always think things through. And you were a bad influence on that." Evelyn said. Frank moved his arm behind me on my chair.