There was a short span of silence as she tried to think of a way to share her experience without gilding it with a negative edge as Joe sat considering her childhood.
She told him, “I had the advantage of spending my childhood in several foster homes.”
“So you were never adopted?” he asked incredulously.
“No.”
He gazed into her eyes feeling suddenly sad again. From what he’d seen, she reminded him of an oak living on an ugly parcel of land. Although the oak couldn't change its circumstances, it could still grow strong over time.
Given her explanation, obviously she didn’t have a family per say. But what about a relationship? He had to know - and his desire was more than ‘just about’ Jenny.
He asked, “So if you spend the day here, will I be taking you away from anything else - more pointedly, anyone else? It’s Christmas day and surely your husband or boyfriend-”
“If anything, your offer is a welcome reprieve,” she smiled, reaching over and spontaneously touching his arm again. She continued with a smile, “This was one of those Christmases that I was going to spend alone - a lazy day. Although I have a strong circle of friends, Christmas tends to be a day for family, don‘t you think?”
He chose to ask her another question instead of providing an answer.
“I take it that you’re not married?” the second time he’d attempted to determine such, he silently noted.
“Not if you don’t count a cup of homemade cocoa topped with marshmallows,” she giggled, Joe smiling and a bit surprised to find her answer relieved him.
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