Richard didn’t live far from the hospital, and we managed to pass the time on the drive talking about nothing more serious than which music to listen to. Mike was parking on the street as we arrived and waited for us.
“I’m glad you could make it, Syd,” Mike said, putting an arm around my shoulder. He let Richard draw ahead of us, then leaned in and said, “I love Angela, but don’t let the cheerleader demeanor fool you.”
Great. As if I weren’t nervous enough, meeting the woman for the first time. Mike led me down a short hall to the kitchen where Richard was already rummaging in the refrigerator.
“Mikey!” squealed a female wearing an FSU football jersey and leggings.
At first I thought it was their daughter, but when she turned from the counter to give Mike an awkward, straight-armed hug
