The Hourglass

Forty-Nine

Adam is officially a part of dinner night with Dad on Thursdays now. He's come at Dad's request every week for the past month. I still find myself a bit surprised by how much Dad likes Adam. I've been dating him for two months now, and Dad acts like they're going to be best friends. Maybe they already are, actually. Adam's been continuing to meet my Dad every Saturday to play golf. He's met all of Dad's buddies, too. He seems to really be enjoying himself. 

We've settled into a comfortable rhythm. Work has been going fine, and the last time I went to Atlanta, everyone was happy to see me - or at least they acted like they were. Adam hasn't mentioned his dad and says the company is doing well. Adam is still insistent that our time spent together is mostly public. We haven't gone back to the bar since the Brandon incident. I did not want to risk running into him, again. 

We walk around the park or gardens frequently. We've seen a few movies and gone bowling. We've gone to dinner, and occasionally, Adam will let me come over. When I'm there, he makes us dinner and gives me an art lesson afterward. I've been sticking to the clay for now, too afraid to try anything more adventurous. 

I've made a few pinch pots and coil pots. Then I made a clay ball necklace and a coaster. Adam said I can take things further if I want and learn how to throw on the pottery wheel, but I don't think I'm ready for that, yet. I'm just enjoying the simple process of playing with my adult Play-Doh. 

While I've missed our sleepovers, I have to admit it's been nice taking a step back and getting to know Adam more. I enjoy spending time with him and listening to him laugh. I love listening to him talk about art, music, and the things he's passionate about. But I'd be lying if I said the close bond we've been forming doesn't make me want the sleepovers more. 

I still have nightmares about my mom occasionally. On those nights, I just want Adam to come over and hold me. I want him to stroke my hair and whisper how much he loves me until I fall back asleep, safe in his arms. But the memory of that one time has to suffice for now. Adam is adamant about respecting my boundaries - almost to a fault. 

We drove separately to my Dad's, and I got there at the same time as him tonight. I pull in behind him in the driveway, and he comes to get my door for me as I finish parking. I take the hand he offers me and step out of the car. I take in the sight of him and sigh happily. I will never get used to how handsome he is. 

Adam kisses the top of my head as he pulls me in for a welcoming hug. "Are you ready to go in?" he asks and I nod, pulling back away from him. He takes my hand and we walk up the steps. I barely notice the empty garden these days. Adam reaches for the door and opens it, gesturing for me to walk through. 

I no longer knocked when Dad was expecting me. If both Dad and Adam thought it was silly for me to do that, then maybe it was. The pleasant scent of what I assume is a pot pie fills my nostrils as we walk through the living room to the kitchen. 

"Hey, Rosie," my dad welcomes me, giving me a tight hug. "Adam," Dad greets him cheerfully and brings him in for a hug. "Boy, am I happy to see you two," he says, going back over to the oven and donning oven mitts.

I smile, trying not to feel embarrassed. Adam pulls out a chair for me at the table, and Dad notices, giving him a thumbs up. I want to roll my eyes, but I stop myself when I notice Adam's expression. He looks so innocently happy - like he finally has someone's approval.  My heart warms knowing how much the relationship with my Dad means to him. 

Dad brings the pot pie to the table and sits down. I get ready to bow my head for grace, but my Dad surprises me. "Do you want to say grace tonight, Adam?" I feel my heart nearly explode. I feel a mixture of things - panic, suspense, embarrassment, apprehension - they all flutter through me quickly, not lasting long. 

I can only imagine how uneasy Adam must feel right now, and I can't help but feel bad for him in this moment. Dad knew Adam wasn't a Christian, so I wasn't sure why he was offering to let him pray. Maybe they had talked about it at golf or something?  

Adam hesitates before asking, "Am I allowed to?" Dad busts up laughing before I can even react, and Adam watches him nervously but smiling. 

"Sorry, Adam," Dad says, sobering up. "It was a valid question it just took me off guard. Anyone can say grace, son. Even if they aren't believers. I promise you won't go to Hell for it," he assures him. 

Adam fidgets nervously but says, "Okay." He glances over at me before bowing his head and closing his eyes. Dad and I follow suit, and I listen anxiously to what he says. "God," he says awkwardly - like it's the first time that name has come out of his mouth without it being a cuss word.  "Thank you for this family and for letting me be a part of their lives," he begins. My heart warms tremendously at his words, and the anxiety recedes. "Thank you for this meal that Fred has graciously cooked us. Please bless him for all of his kindness. Amen." 

Adam's nervous, but genuine gaze meets mine when I look up, and I swear at that moment, I love him even more. I glance over at Dad next, and the affection on his face is evident. He reaches out and pats Adam's arm. "Thank you, Son." 

I watch the exchange between Adam and my dad and can't help but notice they have a bond of their own. Words can't describe the emotion that is brought to my heart. It's so incredibly wholesome and meaningful, and I can't ever remember being happier. 

"Are you all settled at the company, Rosebud?" Dad asks before taking a bite of his food. 

"I think so," I say, looking back and forth between him and Adam. I feel a bit on display with both of them observing me. "Everyone seems really nice, and the work isn't too difficult." What else was there to say? It was work. 

"I know this has been a difficult transition for you, Rosie, but I want you to know how proud I am of you. It's good for you to be involved with other people," he reminds me. 

I nod. "So what about you, Dad? Anything new at work?" I ask, trying to change the subject. 

Dad goes on about the things that have been happening at work. He talks about some of his buddies and tells me one of his friend's wives was just diagnosed with cancer. "Would you mind praying for her, Rose?" Dad asks somberly. "It's not looking good for her right now. By the time they found it, she was already in stage four," he explained. 

I don't know Dad's friends very well, but I've met them a handful of times. I've met their wives even less. Yet, somehow, I feel incredibly sorry for this person, and I want nothing more than to take away her illness and make her better again. "Of course I will, Dad," I agree. 

The rest of the evening goes by well. Adam and Dad talk about sports a bit, and we chat about this and that before clearing out the dishes. Adam stays with me to help Dad clean up and then we say our goodbyes. Dad pulls me in for a tight hug and whispers how much he loves me into my ear. He tells me how proud of me he is and lets me go before turning to Adam. I don't hear what he whispers to Adam, but it seems to make Adam feel emotional. If I wasn't mistaken, he looks like he might be holding back tears. 

When we're outside and standing by my car, I turn to Adam. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask. He nods, but I can tell something is off. "What's wrong? Was it something my dad said to you?" I ask curiously. 

Adam hesitates, his green eyes glossy as he meets my gaze. "He said he loves me," he whispers.