***
The next Saturday, I took Nathan to Frank’s house myself. I’d arranged the visit, and Denise had permitted Cole to join them for the afternoon. Frank waited outside to welcome us.
“I want to apologize properly, Laura.”
“Then help us make things different,” I said. “Nathan needs his grandfather. But you have to respect that I’m his mother.”
Frank nodded.
“I will.”
Inside, Cole was waiting near the workbench. Nathan went over to him.
“I’m sorry I made you keep lying.”
Cole shrugged.
“You kept saying one more weekend.”
“I know. I shouldn’t have.”
“I thought we’d get caught. I wanted to tell Mom.”
“I won’t put you in that position again.”
Cole watched him carefully.
“Good. Because next time, I’m telling her.”
Nathan offered a faint smile, then started sorting through Michael’s tools.
“Can I help?” I asked.
“I’ve got it.”
I gave him room. He worked in silence while Frank filled a box, then stopped, clearly overwhelmed.
