The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

Author:Rachel Hauck
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2017-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

JONAS

“Mom, where are the DVDs of The Bob Newhart Show?”

Mom came from the kitchen still wearing her shirt and jacket from the workday. “In the hall closet. Why?”

Jonas shrugged, heading down the hall. “I want to watch them.”

“You just had a bright idea today to watch old Newhart DVDs?” Mom stepped out of her low-heel shoes, curling her toes into the carpet. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Ah, there, he found them. Top shelf. Buried in the back. “I just met someone who’s never seen the show.”

“Tenley?” The trouble with moms was they looked too close, saw too much, and read between the proverbial lines.

Jonas tucked the DVDs under his arm and closed the bifold doors. “Marvin, Rob, and I ran into her at the diner earlier this week. She didn’t get my Darryl-and-other-brother-Darryl reference, so . . .” He sounded casual, right? Totally casual.

“And it’s incumbent upon you to educate her?”

“She’s a writer. How can she really portray Americana if she hasn’t watched The Bob Newhart Show?” He started for the door before Mom dug any deeper. He knew the questions she’d ask, and he didn’t have the answers. Well, he had one. “Don’t get any ideas. She’s engaged.”

Mom frowned. “Really? I didn’t see a ring.”

“You don’t have to wear a ring to be engaged.” He kissed Mom’s forehead. “Gotta go. See you later.”

“You don’t need a ring, but it’s a good start.” Mom held up her hand, flashing her wedding set. “This says I’m not alone. Someone walks with me, watches my back. It warns other men not to fall in love with me.”

“Ah, Mom, didn’t work with you. Every man falls in love when he meets you.”

“Stop right there. Your fake charm doesn’t work on me. Jonas, if Tenley loves this boy—”

“Mom, she’s here to help Blanche and write a book. Not assess her life.” He held up the collection of shows. “I’m just doing my part to educate her on classic American sitcoms. Besides, she’s letting go of that desk I wanted from Blanche. I can pick it up and start restoring it. I’ll sell it to Mrs. Shallot and have more seed money.”

“You got it all worked out, don’t you?”

He hesitated. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mom stepped up, pretending to unlock his heart. “Cindy’s been gone a long time.”

Ah . . . “Good-bye, Mom.” But Jonas carried her words in his chest. Felt a pang from her unlocking of his heart. Well, he’d lock it back up before he sat down to watch Newhart with Tenley.

At his truck, Dad waited by the driver’s side.

“Going to watch Newhart?” He pointed to the box.

“What gave it away?” Jonas grinned as he tossed the DVDs into the truck, knowing Dad wasn’t lurking around for small talk. “Tenley’s never seen the show. Everything all right, Dad?”

The man shifted his stance and stared toward the river where the afternoon light dazzled.

“Can’t seem to bring myself to say the words.”

Jonas leaned against the truck, folding his arms. “You need money?”

“Your mother doesn’t know I’m asking.

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