Chapter 20

I looked at Ryan’s beaten sneakers by the front door. They looked like they’d been run over a few times by a truck. Aside from being dingy, they were frayed and a hole was starting to form on the inside of the left shoe.

“I hate to sound like your parent,” I said him when he emerged from his shower, “but I think it’s time to invest in a new pair of shoes.”

“Gee, Mom, I know, but these shoes are comfortable,” he said with a smirk.

“It’s not good for your feet to wear shoes that are so worn like that. Look at the heels. They’re totally uneven from wear and tear.”

He rolled his eyes. “I forget sometimes that you’re a podiatrist.”

“I’m serious, Ryan. You need to get some new shoes. Trust me, your feet will thank you later.”

“Fine,” he said. “Let’s go shoe shopping then.”

I hadn’t made the suggestion that he get new shoes because I wanted us to go shopping together. I really just wanted him to get some proper footwear. “Shopping?”