Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Ch 87 (kyle)- Happiness Is Fleeting

In the driveway of Danello's, Kyle quickly called Alicia and reminded her he was picking up dinner and should be home soon. She was glad he called because she was caught up with a wedding that was being held at a ski lodge as they were worried about guests flying in through the storm in less than a week away. After Kyle hung up he laughed at Alicia's stress because she made every situation comical. He had always been more obsessed over Alicia than she was of him. Alicia got too easily distracted.

Kyle was sure they were under a dinner rush even though the storm was horrendous. Some people just didn't cook often and the food here was that good. Kyle didn't mind waiting if he had to. With the possibilities of the dishes he was preparing to savor, and alone time without the kids, he wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything in the world. Everything else could wait.

Danello's was actually his family's favorite Italian restaurant. It was where he had proposed to Alicia. When they were together with the kids, they always went there to dine and teach their children the importance of proper etiquette. When he got to spend the evening alone with Alicia, he usually brought this restaurant's dinner home. They both preferred it that way so neither had to wear anything but their pajamas as they took breaks during their all night movie and snack fest. It was also a time for personal communication which ended a usually perfect night. Having to tell Alicia he had to go to Colorado the next day was already going to put a kink in that. Kyle shook his head to erase the anxiety and reminded himself, the kids were gone. It didn't happen often. He planned to be tired tomorrow. He could sleep on the plane.

Kyle couldn't imagine not ever being without Alicia until death did them part. Often he felt guilty spending so much time away from her because of his job. He hated to expose her to gruesome details when he needed to bounce ideas off of his best friend, but she informed him from the beginning she had a tough stomach. He loved her for her bravery. It took them a few years of discovery to see that once he discussed his work, they discussed her wedding life of fluff to balance the topics. That way the last details of their conversation expressed were of happiness, peace, and love to remind them how strong their love was for each other in such an ugly society. He actually liked to hear all of the girly stuff. Once in a while he would imagine walking his daughter down the aisle for her wedding. The thought always brought a tear to his eye.

He couldn't help wondering if Stacy was being responsible. He trusted her to go off to college next year to take care of herself. It seemed almost impossible that she could be so close to eighteen already. For Stacy's safety, he was glad he got her car tuned and took care of everything she needed yesterday plus give her extra spending money. It made him feel good that he was able to get their family things they would enjoy and not just need. It wasn't every day that they were able to gift extra but it had been a good year for both him and Alicia which is why they had a wonderful Christmas this year.

There was a reason this was their favorite restaurant and it wasn't just because of their love for the food, but the love for the people that made and served it as well. Kyle stepped out of the truck and stared up at the building. The giant sign that spelled out Danello's in a curvaceous font in bright red still looked new as he knew the owner's niece had a knack for art and often painted on the walls or windows to keep their customers entertained. Kyle thought she should have her work in museums for each scene she did was life like.

Stepping through the front door, he was immediately rushed with warmth and the smell of cooking that brought you back to childhood reunions where all the women cooked in the kitchen, the men were huddled around televisions and all the kids played outside until the food was ready. It was overwhelmingly delicious and his grumbling stomach loudly agreed. Inside the restaurant was a museum of history full of old art from Italy where the owners, a charming couple, had lived most of their life and wall murals of people from the old country that his niece had painted. It was so tastefully done that for a moment he actually felt he was there.