Read Online Ready to Fall by Daisy Prescott - Free Book Online

homosexuals. They keep to themselves and they don’t bother me.”
    My aunt joined in the laughter. “For a man in your sixties, you’re very open-minded, Peter.”
    “What? Nowadays you can’t be too sure, so it’s good to know these things. Know where you stand when you shake a man’s hand.”
    Images of my uncle at a gay bar dropped into my mind. I tried to shake them away before I saw things that couldn’t be unseen.
    “Are we all good here? I’m not gay, I’m not lonely. I’m single. No complaints from me. New subject?”
    She patted my arm. “Sure, sweetheart. You talk to your dad lately? I spoke to Joyce last week. Said they’ve been playing a lot of golf. I swear she likes to rub it in a bit.”
    When I wished for a new subject, I meant anything but this one. Joyce was my stepmother. As my real mother’s sister, Helen never took to her, but put in the effort because they were family. I felt lukewarm at best about both Joyce and my father.
    “Haven’t talked to either of them in a while. Jim said he planned on going down to visit.”
    “Your brother always manages to squeeze in a trip down there. Don’t know how he does it given he has his job, a wife, and kids.”
    Here came the guilt.
    “Guess it’s important to him.” I shrugged and moved to stand. I’d had enough of the interrogation and guilt for the evening. “I hate to miss dessert, but I told Tom I’d meet him for an early game of pool.”
    Her frown showed her disappointment. I felt bad being rude, but I couldn’t take it anymore. Still feeling raw from the whole Kelly situation, I didn’t need my inadequacies laid out and discussed … well anymore than they already had been.
    “I’ll wrap you up some things to take with you. I baked a chocolate cake. You can take a slice for Tom, too.” She smiled and stood up to fix me a plate.
    My uncle drummed his fingers on the table next to his glass of water. “John, she means well. You’ve always been special to her. Especially since we lost your mom. You’re her connection to her sister. Be patient with her if she mothers you too much.”
    I blinked a few times after my uncle spoke. It was rare for him to talk about feelings. Even more rare for him to bring up my mom.
    “Yeah, I’m sorry,” I told him.
    “Don’t apologize to me. Tell her.” He nodded in the direction of the kitchen. “Helen, I’m going to have my dessert in the family room,” he called out as he stood from the table.
    “I’ll see you next Sunday,” I said.
    “You betcha. I bought some new fly fishing rods I want to show you. Planning a trip to Montana.”
    “Sounds good.” I gave him an awkward one armed, patting the back hug men in my family perfected.
    Strolling into the kitchen, I observed Helen while she put together a container of leftovers for me and sliced two enormous pieces of chocolate cake.
    “Mom’s recipe?” I asked, swiping my finger through the icing on one of the slices. Her hand caught air when I dodged her swat. Instead she pinched my side and turned back to the leftovers.
    “I’m sorry I’m a jerk.” I rubbed my side. When she turned around, I hugged her. She hugged me back, still holding the cake knife.
    “About the cake? Nah, you always steal the frosting.”
    “No, I meant in general.”
    “You’re not a jerk. Life hasn’t turned out the easiest for you, John. I only want you to be happy. Your dad and Joyce feel the same. Your mom would want that, too. She always did.”
    “Thanks for saying so. Not sure I believe it, but thanks.” Changing the subject, I added, “You think that’s enough cake for me and Tom?”
    “It might be too much, but heaven knows we don’t need it.” She patted her plump middle under her apron. “Better you young men eat it and work it off. No worries about diabetes for you.”
    “How’s he doing?” I lowered my voice and tilted my head toward the family room and the blast of the television.
    “He’s good. His doctors still want him