53The kitchen was dark other than light from the open refrigerator. Tek had washed the day off with a shower and was wearing a bathrobe, boxer shorts and a pair of slippers Jake gave him on his last birthday. As he reached for the phone to call Taco2Go he noticed the message light. Jake’s voice threw him off balance: Hey Dad, I just wanted to let you know that Aunt Beth is taking everyone on a cruise on a boat tonight to celebrate Marlene’s birthday. We may be back late so I’ll call you tomorrow, promise.
Tek walked to the sliding glass door and stared at nothing in particular. Jake’s tone suggested the mood in Florida had improved. Tek hoped things would not get so much better that his son would choose staying rather than coming home.
