Before my imagination went ballistic, I decided to go downstairs and grab a cup of coffee. I walked over and switched on my computer, so it could boot up while I was gone.
When I got downstairs, Ken was standing behind Mom in the kitchen. His arms were wrapped around her and he was humming a tune. They moved slowly back and forth, dancing.
It was a private moment and I almost backtracked but the song resonated with me. I stood there trying to remember where I heard it before.
Ken turned and caught me staring. “Good morning,” he said, smiling cheerily and reluctantly released my mom.
“Morning,” I called, and walked into the kitchen.
“How are you feeling sweetheart,” Mom asked her pretty face full of concern.
“I’m fine,” I told her even though I still ached pretty badly.
“I’ll be right back,” she said and hurried from the kitchen.
Ken turned toward me. He looked different, almost childlike. He was smiling from ear to ear. “I was hoping to have a minute to talk with you…”
Right then Mom walked back in and Ken shut down.
“Did I interrupt something?” she asked looking between us both, curiously.
“Not at all,” Ken piped up giving me a silencing look.
I played along. “Nope, Ken was just telling me about the investigation’s progress.” I hoped it would get him to spill the beans.
Her brow arched. “Really? And what might that be?” she asked looking suspicious.
“I already told you, Eileen,” he said, giving her a flirty look. Right then I could see what Mom saw in him. He was acting so darn cute. Like a playful puppy.
Her whole face lit up and she even was blushing. I was so happy for Mom…he really did have a good effect on her.
Even though it was just the three of us in the kitchen, the room felt crowded. I felt like a third wheel. “Oh wow, I forgot I have to do this thing,” I said making up a lame excuse to cut and run. I grabbed a pop tart and poured another cup of coffee. When Ken gave me a questioning look, I threw out some excuse about doing a paper for English and took off out of the room. I had no idea what Ken wanted to tell me but I was sure he would when he had a chance.