Simon showed exactly where his son got his healthy appetite. His plate was filled to the brim and he carefully airlifted it to the table with a measured step.
Gathering what she wanted with a cup of soup, Cherish returned to her seat and waited for Simon before she began to eat, “Thank you for this and for making me go to the doctor. I’m glad.” She said.
Sitting down, Simon eagerly pulled his chair close. As her gratitude came forth, for something normal, Simon did a double take, “Don’t even worry about it. Thank you for getting checked out and coming with me. We have to take care of each other.” He said.
Once again she was taken off guard. When he thanked her and showed his appreciation, it caused her to feel undeserving. Simon rubbed a forkful of greens in the gravy and potatoes and popped it into his mouth. Inhaling a deep breath, he chuckled lowly to himself in an appreciative manner.
She quickly glanced down at her plate and quietly unraveled her silverware. She watched him before he gave her an expectant look, "Oh..." Returning her gaze back to her plate, she pulled apart a piece of beef stew and ate it. A smile instantly hit her features and she pressed the back of her hand against her mouth, "...shit. Shit that's good." She expressed with a nod. Taking another bite, she tested that one too and found it wasn't a fluke.
The food was delicious.
Cherish flicked her gaze upwards at Simon, "And how did you find this place? This is way better than any McDonald's."
Simon held a reminiscing smile, “Aha well, Emily had a yearning to learn, but she wasn’t a good cook. I’m not great either, so after all the times we would eat out, I would make a joke about wanting a decent home cooked meal. She finally brought me here, waited until I had finished, and rubbed it in my face that she gave me dinner cooked at home. This place became a favorite.” He said.
Over the last weeks, Cherish truly enjoyed the stories that Simon or the family would tell her about Emily. She learned that Emily took up an obscene amount of hobbies and never completed anything. She loved the outdoors yet hated going to the mailbox to get the mail. She was quiet, minute, and very prim in public and behind closed doors, but had bouts of spontaneity. One of which took she and Simon snorkeling off the coast of Key West just one random day they were driving home. She was vibrant, full of life, and had a sense of humor that had complimented Simon’s perfectly.
He took a bite of chicken before sipping his drink and nodding, “Mmmm…try this…” he used his fork to cut into a piece of flaked fish and held it out for her.
Cherish laughed out loud, set her fork down, and leaned over, “Really?” she asked turning in her chair. Getting up, she was fully intent to get herself a few pieces of fried fish now that she’d been enlightened. Pausing, she looked at Simon and pointed back to the hot cases, “Did you want me to get you anything while I’m up?” she asked.
Seeing her happy enough to relax and have a good time satisfied Simon. He waved his hand and gave her a teasing grin, “Surprise me.” He answered. There wasn’t anything there he wouldn’t like.
As she walked away, he checked his phone for calls or texts in case anything went wrong with the kids. They were supposed to enjoy their time out, but he couldn’t shake the anxiety of the unknown with the babies.
Coming back with a plate of wings, ribs, and pole beans, Cherish bobbed her head from side to side and set it down. She sat again, sipped her water, and went fully into her meal. Noticing how Simon continuously looked at his phone, she flicked her gaze between it and his face. She pushed food into her cheek and cleared her throat, “Is everything alright?” she asked.
Simon felt a little ashamed that she’d caught him after he encouraged her to leave the house. He sighed, “I’m checking on the babies. I sort of miss them.” He said putting his phone away.
Cherish leaned over the table for a moment and rolled her lips in, “You too? I didn’t want to say anything, but I feel like a little piece of me is just wanting to get back there to them. I keep telling myself they’re fine. So…let’s eat.” She said.
Eating and chatting about everyday topics, Cherish enjoyed their meal and walked out an hour later. They were stuffed, and Simon looked at the time once they returned to the car, “You know, we have time to catch a movie. How about it?” he questioned.
Pausing at the open door, she shrugged her shoulders softly, “Sure. More money…” Closing one eye, she sighed out, “…sorry, sorry. Yes, of course. Did you have one in mind or will we just pick when we get there?” she asked before slipping inside.
Over the weeks, Cherish had become more accepting of Simon and his family’s generosity. She went from denying gifts and treatment to slowly accepting when they offered. Still, she was uncomfortable when a whole day was filled with gift giving and money spending.
“We’ll just pick one.” Simon answered.
Getting on the road, they weren’t far, but Simon felt bad for the burden he placed on her. So, he tried to explain with a gentle, forward tone, “True, we are spending money, but I worked hard for a long time to get what I have. And if I want to take my best friend out for a good time, then you shouldn’t feel guilty about it.” He said.
Her head snapped in his direction and she slowly broke into a smile, “I’m
