"So it wasn't meant to be." His father shrugs.
Absorbed in their discussion, I can't help but grin. Their relationship is beautiful, full of humor, honesty and understanding. This is what I want everywhere in my life, with Todd, with my mother, with the man I eventually meet and date. Seeing the evidence of what I want in front of me is an eye opener. My own parents never had this kind of relationship with each other or with us kids.
It draws me towards Petr even more.
Which is bad. I can't become emotionally entangled or lose my edge.
Reminding myself of this fact, I clear the pie away and retreat to the counter, uncertain what to say. Petr's father leaves soon after with a wave at me. I watch him go, envious of Petr's relationship with his father.
Petr drapes a scarf around his neck, preparing to leave.
I hesitate, my insides twisting at the thought of opening up to him, even if it's in Todd's best interest. I'm starting to believe I can trust Petr as far as I'm willing to.
I approach his table. "Petr, can I ask you something?" I start uncertainly. My hands are in my apron, clenched and twisting together, out of his sight.
"Of course." He waves at the seat across from him.
Perching on the edge of the bench, ready to flee, I hesitate under his direct gaze. He's curious, his blue eyes scouring my features. "Everything okay?" he asks.
"Yes. Well, no. I kind of have an issue with Todd. With your involvement with teens and … everything else, I wanted to ask your advice." The words come out as a breathless rush. He can't possibly know how much courage this is taking, that it's a struggle to draw a full breath right now. I'm leaving my comfort zone. It's for a good cause - and stressful as hell. "Sorry," I mutter, embarrassed. Having a conversation shouldn't throw me into a near-panic attack.
"No rush. I've been waiting for you to talk to me for two weeks." He smiles warmly. "I'm not about to go anywhere now."
I clear my throat. I dismiss the words I have no idea how to handle. "Todd brought home a gun and hid it in his room. I found it by accident. It was in his Secrets Box which is … never mind. I wasn't supposed to look and I did and I saw the gun and now, I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to confront him, because I don't want him to hate me but …"
"It's a serious issue," he finishes.
I nod and release a sigh. Petr isn't freaking out. It's a good thing. "I hid it in my room. I don't even know how he got a hold of it. The kid has no money of his own and he's never out of my sight, except at school."