Family Bonds

Chapter 13, Episode 3, and Chapter 14, Episode 1

After talking with his uncle, Chet returned to the table, a grin splitting his face. "He challenged me—said he expects me to win my moot court final with a unanimous verdict. I want you to come. The prof told us he's going to open it up to family, even though they don't get to be part of the jury."

"Have you talked to Eddie?"

Chet shook his head. "He probably won't care. I was going to tell Dad tonight, but—with everything else, I think I'll just let it go."

"No, Chet, you have to tell him. He deserves to know."

"He's never been all that thrilled that I was working at Oliver's. I'll talk to him later, maybe in a few days." Chet paused. He'll probably root for the other side—if he even comes.

They ate dessert in companionable silence. His mother set down her spoon. "I gave you chocolate, but it's not really your favorite flavor anymore, is it?"

When Chet looked at her, the love in her eyes warmed him. "It's still one of my favorites, Mom."

"Does Jane know, about law school?"

"I told her this afternoon. She said I had to tell you in person, not over the phone."

"Bless her. So you're still seeing her, in spite of that awful scene at the house last fall?"

He nodded. "She wouldn't go out with me for the longest time. And not just because Bert's been sick. She kept saying that family was more important than friends."

"She's more than a friend to you, isn't she? I can see it in your eyes, the way you talk about her."

"I love her, Mom. I want to marry her, but I can't ask her yet. I need to get through law school, and her—Bert—is really sick. He's got stomach cancer and Jane's taking care of him. She's got a lot on her plate. But I want you to get to know her. You and she ... I think you'd really like her."

"I already do. If she makes you happy, I'm sure I'll love her, too." She gathered up their dishes. "What are you going to do about your dad?"

"He should be horsewhipped for cheating on you," he said, aware that his anger at his father showed in the clipped way he spoke and how forcefully he dropped the silverware into the sink.

His mother scraped the dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. "I think for now I'll just tell him he can't live here. I need to give myself some time. Maybe he'll come to his senses."

Chet sighed. "I'll call him at the office."

"Do that, dear." Her voice seemed pensive when she added, "Maybe he'll change his mind about you and law school."

They talked a while longer before Chet left for home. In spite of his mother's encouragement, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear what his father would say. And if his dad dared to ask about his mother, Chet knew he'd be hard put to remain civil.

Chapter 14

"Are we going to The Wharf again?" Jane asked when Chet arrived.

"No, the Space Needle." He grinned. "Think of it as at least a weeks' worth of cleaning Oliver's office." He laughed. "What you're wearing—is that new?"

"Sort of. The skirt was my mom's. The blouse is new. You don't have to spend lots of money on tonight."

"My mom gave me some cash and told me to splurge."

"To celebrate?"

He nodded.

They took their time eating in order to enjoy the view as long as possible.