Six
Islowly pushedthe carrots and peas around my plate, trying to avoid awkward eye contact. The silence was deafening and the tension could have been cut with a knife as we all sat around the table for Sunday night dinner at the McManus home like we had every week for the last few years. Walker was sitting next to me hammering down whiskey and water like it was going out of style while Liz and Mags sniffled. Jim, Mitch, and Randy threw back a few beers, their stoic faces saying more than words ever could.
Jim cleared his throat at the end of the table, raising his glass high in the air as he stood. “To my son and Walker. May the two of you find adventure and come home safe and sound. We love you and are so proud of you.”
We all raised our glasses and slowly took sips.
“That is enough.” Randy’s voice boomed. “We all knew this day was going to come sooner rather than later. I’ll be damned if I am going to spend my last few months with my family before we leave with everyone moping around. It’s our job. It’s what Walker and I signed up for. I am proud to say that I will be going to defend my country and keep it safe for my family. Now let’s move the fuck on with dinner. Cali, how are you liking your new job?”
It took a second for me to shake off Randy’s words, and my throat was drying out from being put on the spot right after that rant. “Oh good, I guess.” I shrugged, chugging my water. “It’s different working at a desk from nine to five instead of grinding away behind a bar, but I am adapting.”
Liz wiped her eyes with her napkin. “I am so glad you’re learning and growing with this company, Cali. I’m sure it is going to be a wonderful experience for you.” Her sweet face contorted into a fake smile as she refilled her glass of wine.
Mitch chimed in, clearing his throat. “So Randy and Mags, how is it living so close to your parents?”
Randy chuckled. “I’m just glad that Mags will be so close to family while I’m gone.”
Mags squeezed Randy’s hand before shoving away from the table. “Anyone ready for dessert? Who wants coffee?”
“I’ll help you.” I made my way into the kitchen and started slicing the homemade cherry pie that had been cooling in the oven.
Mags’ hands shook as she started the coffee maker and put the kettle on to make Liz a cup of tea. I pulled her into me and tried to help still her trembling.
“I am trying so hard to not be like this. I knew this day was going to come, but my heart is broken.”
I was at a loss for words. There was no way I could even begin to understand how much Mags was going to miss Randy, or how scared she must have been that he might never really get to start the life they were planning together.
“Everything is going to be ok, honey.” We both sniffled as she buried her face in my shoulder.
“I hope you’re right.”
I grabbed a napkin from the counter and wiped Mags’ eyes. “Now suck it up and be strong for your soldier. He needs to know that you’re going to be ok while he’s gone so he can worry about getting home safely for you, and for all of us.
Mags and I brought in the dessert, passing it around the table to everyone.
After taking our seats, Mags looked over to me. “Oh, Cali, I wanted to ask you something kind of important.”
“Of course. What’s up?” Mags was finally smiling so whatever she asked, I was going to have to say yes—we needed her happy.
“Would you mind walking me down the aisle?”
I furrowed my brow. “I thought you were going to have your mom do it…I mean, I would be honored, but won’t Elena be pissed?”
Mags shrugged. “She is being a brat and I would rather it be you anyway. You know how much of a drama queen she can be; I don’t need her stressing me out to the max on such an important day.”
“I am glad to. Thanks for asking me to do it.”
The rest of the dinner went on more smoothly than it had started. We all finally got into a groove of light conversation and before we knew it, we were packing up leftover meatloaf and saying our goodbyes.
As I was getting into my car, I heard Randy’s voice call to me from behind. “Cali, hey wait up a second.” Randy trotted over to me.
“What’s up?” I leaned against my car.
He rubbed the back of his neck before speaking. “I just want to thank you for helping Mags so much lately with everything. The wedding, this crap, her mom—it really means a lot to both of us and I am really glad to know that she has you and Mitch to keep an eye on her while Walker and I are gone.”
He wrapped his arms around me. “Don’t mention it, Randy. That’s what best friends are for. Besides, you’ll be back before we know it and everything will be right back to normal.”
“Anyway, thanks again. See ya later.” Randy made his way back up the front lawn to sit on the porch with Walker, who was smoking a cigarette. With a wave I pulled out of the driveway and headed back to my apartment.