“That’s typically been his mother’s role.”
“No reason he can’t turn to both of you. This isn’t an either/or situation. And while I’m being so candid, you need to ease up on yourself. Life isn’t perfect, and people sure as heck aren’t. We’re broken and messy and a hornet’s nest of contradictions. And yes, that includes you, son. I think if your own daddy were alive, he’d congratulate you for being a true family man this last month.”
“My father was a bastard,” Felix said.
“But you, Felix, are not.” Eudora gave him a withering stare. “You’re a good man.”
“I’d like to believe you, I really would.”
“It’s the gospel truth.” Eudora stood slowly. “I don’t lie.”
They began walking again and emerged back on the sandy path that ran straight like a Roman road.
“Why are you helping us?” Felix said. “And please don’t insult me with talk of southern hospitality.”
“Does kindness need a reason?”
“In my world, yes.”
Eudora raised an eyebrow, looking like an aged version of Samantha in Bewitched. (Tom had loved that show. One of the few American imports on the BBC in those days.) “Then we need to expand your world.” She paused for a shallow sigh. “It was obvious to any person with half a brain that your family needed help and you were stubborn as a mule and bound to say no. Depositing myself in your garden to take care of things I was pretty sure didn’t interest you seemed the best way to start. After that, it became apparent.”
“What became apparent?”
“That you need more help than your wife and son.”
Felix stood still as anger prickled through his muscles and up into his jaw. “Excuse me?”
“I don’t know where your demons come from, hon, and it’s none of my business. But I sure do wish you’d figure out how to enjoy that boy of yours. His heart, well, it’s big enough to feed the world, the way I see it.”
“My son is a disorganized mess.”
“Powdered sugar on a doughnut. It’s what’s inside that counts. First time I met your son, I was carrying in groceries. He came rushing over to help.” Eudora smiled the smile that took its time to unfold. “I’ll never forget him leaping over my flower bed, arms outstretched, shouting, ‘Wait! Let me!’”
“I hope he didn’t crush any of the flowers on the way over.”
“See. There’s my point. That’s why you need my help.”
“What?” Good grief, his voice had become a parody of Mother’s imperial tone.
“Seems to me you always have a mind to focus on finding fault, not celebration.”
A young man in a bomber jacket trotted by and raised his chin in greeting. “Hey, Eudora.”
“Hi, hon.” She waited until he was out of earshot before continuing. “Now. What about taking a trip—just you and Harry? A weekend in Boone, maybe?”
“I don’t have time for a jaunt to the mountains. But spring break is around the corner. I’m planning a college tour.”
“With Harry’s input, of course.”
Felix tugged up the collar of his coat. Yes, there was definitely snow in those clouds. “Every time I raise the issue, he refuses to engage.”
“I suspect he’s scared.”
A hawk cried and Felix tensed. “Of me?”
“Of his future. The threat of change can be a fearsome enemy. Would you like me to talk with him?”
“No, thank you. I’ll give him one more chance, and then I’m moving ahead with my plans. Time is running out.”
“Well, I’m sure you know best.” Again with the smile. Underestimate it at your own cost.
I do; I’m the father here. And no offense, but you’ve never had children. The conversation had begun to annoy him, and he didn’t want to appear rude.
“I should return to the office. Thank you for the”—he hesitated—“advice.”