Chapter 63

Mason placed Noah’s coffee next to his bowl. As he did so, he debated whether he should take the seat next to him or leave the room, giving Noah some more space. We’re both adults. Mason pulled out the chair next to Noah and sat down.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” The words came out of Mason’s mouth sounding jumbled. But their relative meaning was understandable.

“Me, too. I shouldn’t have left. We should have talked.”

“It’s okay. I think we both needed a little time.”

“Yeah. I guess.” As almost an afterthought, Noah asked, “Do you still need more time?”

“No. I’m good. Thanks. How about you?”

“Nope. I’m fine.” Noah played with the last of his cereal floating in his bowl.

“You ready to talk?” Mason asked.

“I’d rather shower first. After I eat. If that’s all right with you.”

“Yeah.” Mason really wanted to talk, but doing it when Noah was uncomfortable and sweaty wouldn’t work.

“Okay. What about when you’re done?”