267

MAXINE

I noticed the ones he stared at more while we walked through the garden. I knew the ones he would like. I carried it over to where he sat and handed it gently to him.

He looked up, startled by my presence. “Maxine,” he said, “Once again. What are you doing here?”

“I thought you might like these,” I said, gesturing to the flowers. “I’ve seen you looking at them differently when we walk through the garden.”

He glanced at the flowers and then back at me, a smile on his lips. “You’re full of surprises today,” he said, putting down the book and picking up the flowers.

“I like keeping you on your toes,” I replied with a grin.

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “You’re doing a good job of it.” He said but then, there was a sad look on his face. “These were my mother's favorite flowers.”

He'd never talked about his mother. It was always his father showing him brutality. I wanted to hear more about the woman who had birthed these two men.

“Tell me about her,” I said, quietly, slidi