The Fate's Flaw

Chapter 2

BRAVEN

"You're late." His mother was standing near the sink with her back to him. It wasn't a question but a statement from his mother. A glance at his watch told him he was late by twenty minutes. It was the first time in two years he had been late to the weekly dinner with his mother. The last time it was because he was out drinking all day in an attempt to numb a pain left behind by the absence of his sweet twin. That day he swore to his mother he would never go out binge drinking again.

"I was not out drinking again. I just needed to clear my head that is all." He wrapped his mother in his arms and gave her a light hug. She would never stop worrying about him but he couldn't really blame her. In the past six years, he had closed everyone out except his mother. It was only when he found that lake he started talking to his friends more often. "I had a date today and she was crazy. I needed time to relax before coming to dinner." That wasn't too far from the truth.

"One of the days you are going to find one woman to stay with." His mother had started lecturing him like Luna about finding love the past nine months. Maybe you can ask that sexy disaster out on a date. Where had that thought come from? He would not ask the crazy headache out on a date because he would not see her again. "I am not getting any younger B, and I want grandchildren."

"Wow, mom. That was too much. I cannot imagine being tied to one woman for the rest of my life. I am happy just playing the field. I love the ladies and they love me." He could not believe his mother brought up children. Surely she could understand the worry that would haunt him. What if he had a child and they too got cancer and died. He was sure his heart could not handle that pain. "Besides mom, I would never have the time for children." That should stay her need for grand-kids for a while.

"Luna would want you to be happy B. She would be rolling over in her grave if she saw you doing this to yourself." The woman had a point. Perhaps one day he would move on and allow happiness, but for now, that is just not something he could handle. Unless it is with that vixen from today! Where the hell did that thought come from? He didn't even know the mad woman's name. The thought brought back the picture of her coming out of the water stark naked and he suddenly caught himself smiling.

"What is so funny son?" Braven shook his head to clear the image of the beauty.

"Nothing mom, I was just thinking about dinner and how good it is going to be." He lied. "What plates are we using tonight, blue or black?" He always set the table for the two of them. It was something he had done all his life. Mom would cook, he would set the table, and Luna would clear the table. The two of them would do the dinner dishes and they would all watch a movie together. Now it was just him and mom so it changed a little. The weekly dinner always made him mourn Luna even more. It served as a constant reminder of her absence. No matter the pain it caused him, however, he could never take this night from his mother. She needed this one night a week as bad as he needed his weekly trip to the lake.

His mother turned to him and nodded her head to the table, "I have already set the table". Braven looked at the table to see two blue plates setting on the place-mats along with silverware and wine glasses. Dinner smelled divine. The freshly made bread in the oven was almost done and the roast was seasoned so perfectly that the smell made his mouth water. His stomach growled when the smell of the garlic green beans and buttered carrots reached his nose. His mouth watered more at what was sure to be a dinner made for the Gods.

They sat down to enjoy a meal made with the love only a mother could provide and he savored every bite knowing his cooking over the week would never compare.

"How was work B? Did they ever find out who was stealing supplies?" His mother tried small talk knowing that it would not get far.

"Not yet. They are going to set up some cameras in the supply room." He half answered. I bet that minx from today could put on a show for the cameras. What the hell? Where did that thought come from? He shook his head to rid himself of the image. He didn't even know her name. He needed sleep to get her out of his mind. Or to dream about the sexy beast. He rolled his eyes at the notion of dreaming of a perfect stranger. Perfectly sexy that is.