“I’ll block you.”
The banter continues as we enter the house. Ollie throws in the odd grenade to keep the conversation interesting. It’s then that I notice Liam, sitting on the sofa playing his video game, his headphones firmly in place.
“I’ll call you back,” I say to Rose. She opens her mouth to argue, so I add, “I need to speak to Liam.”
Her mouth snaps closed.
Whether this is a date or not, me seeing someone will be hardest on him. Even if it’s been almost five years since his mum passed.
I cut the call and pass Ollie his cell, he disappears without a prompt. I walk over and sit down next to my son. He glances over but continues to play his game, so I pick up the second controller.
Getting ready can wait.
The game ends, and he starts a new one—two players. The headphones slide back off his ears. The cars race. He beats me by a lap, the same as he always does. “When are you leaving?” he says, his eyes never leave the screen.
“Seven thirty.”
“You’re not wearing that?” He glances over, then refocuses on the game. My car smashes into a wall.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“You look ready to host a board meeting, not eat dinner. Wear the blue one with the palm trees.” His expression doesn’t change. Everything continues like every other night.
“The palm trees?”
“Yeah…” he says. “You look less dad-like.”
I watch him for a second longer than necessary, but he doesn’t turn around.
“Alright,” I tell him, then, when the game ends, I head upstairs to change.
***
Downstairs, I’m pulling my coat on when I hear footsteps behind me. I turn to find Liam standing quietly by the door. He offers me my car keys.
“You’ll need these,” he says, lips tight but threatening to smile.
“Thanks.”
I hold out my hand, and he drops them into my palm. “Have a great night, Dad.” He steps forward, his arms wrapping around me. “Just don’t bore her with medical jargon.”
“Thanks,” I say again, the only word I can push past my lips. Before emotion gets the better of me, I step out into the night. The path beneath my feet is already crunching with the dropping temperatures.
Once in my car, I look back at my family home. Liam is still standing in the doorway, hand raised, wishing me a good night. I start the engine before I can change my mind. Then leave, palm trees and all.