His mother studies me challengingly.
“Both.”
“My parents taught me to be myself, and to be proud of the person who I am.”
Eric’s eyes are glued to me. They don’t miss a beat; they don’t leave me.
“To follow my dreams, work hard for them, keep the faith. And that’s what I’ve always done, as far as I can remember.”
I want to keep feeling his eyes on me, so desperately that I continue, even though no one asked me to.
“I’ve always had their support, felt that they were there for me. They never let me want for anything – especially when it came to love.”
Maybe I’m taking it too far now, crossing a line that nobody asked me to cross. I’m fighting a battle that doesn’t concern me. But Eric is still watching me, and I don’t want him to stop.
“And I could never thank them enough for that. I hope I can be like them one day – I hope I never become somebody who makes others feel wrong or unloved.”
Silence falls over the table. I don’t feel like apologising – after all; I have done nothing wrong. I simply said what I think, what my life has been like. Sure, maybe with a little too much emphasis, but I wasn’t disrespectful to anyone.
“Your parents must be very proud of the man you are today,” says Eric’s mother. Her tone has softened, dropped.
“I hope so, Mrs. O’Shea. I really hope so.”
16Eric
After walking my mother to her car, I ask Sean if he wants a lift home.
“I walked here.”
“You walked?”
He shrugs. “It’s not that far. And I don’t mind walking.”
“But it’s fucking freezing,” I say, pulling up the zip of my leather jacket, which is decidedly not warm enough for a December evening.
“A bit of fresh air will do me good – especially after that second glass of wine.”
I nod, my hands in my jeans pockets, as I watch him pull on his gloves and loop his scarf around his neck.
“So…” he begins, nervous.
“So…”
“Dinner didn’t go too badly, I’d say.”
“Could’ve been worse. And it would’ve gone much worse if it weren’t for you.”
He smiles, embarrassed, lowering his gaze.
“Thank you for coming.”
“I was happy to. The restaurant is nice, welcoming. A good place to spend the evening. And the food! God, the food!”
I laugh and shake my head.
“Your cooking is magic. What I’ve heard about you could never do it justice.”
“If you’re talking about our mutual friend…”
