My mother and Paul were already at the restaurant when we got there. Just seeing him again made me feel sick inside. He looked great, as usual, dressed very casually in jeans, a black V-neck sweater, and black loafers. My mother looked equally as casual in jeans, a red sweater, and red flats. I felt overdressed in my khakis and button-down shirt. I couldn’t even look at Carmen because I knew she’d give me hell later for making her put on a skirt.
While my mother hugged Carmen and fawned over her, I hung back, trying not to look at Paul. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop him from coming to me and shaking my hand.
“How are you, Jason?” he asked.
“Fine,” I mumbled. My mouth suddenly felt very dry. Paul looked like he wanted to say something else, but my mother thrust Carmen at him and introd
