Free Spark by Posy Roberts Page B

stocks, bonds, real estate, and the bank, but he hardly ever enjoys it.”
    “I think that’s a waste,” Hugo said sadly, bringing their conversation around full circle just as they walked up his driveway.
    “It is,” Kevin agreed, following Hugo into his house and down the stairs to the cool air of the family room.
    “Come on, let’s watch the movie.” Both boys got comfortable on the large overstuffed L-shaped sectional sofa, each taking a side.
     
     
    F ORTY minutes into the movie, Hugo heard the door upstairs open and close. “Charisse?” he shouted as he pushed pause.
    “No, sweetie. It’s Mom. I think Charisse is still working at the restaurant,” Hugo’s mom said as she walked down the narrow stairway, then stood at the bottom, seeming to allow a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dark before she moved closer to the couch. “Oh. I didn’t know you had company. I’m Hugo’s mom, Ruby,” she said. Her brown hair looked messy hanging in a hastily created ponytail at the back of her head.
    Kevin stood and walked to formally shake her hand. “I’m Kevin Magnus. Hugo and I work together.”
    “He’s mentioned you. I’m glad you boys have been able to entertain each other this summer.”
    “Where’s Dad?” Hugo asked with some worry in his voice, which Kevin must have picked up on because he looked with concern at Hugo for a moment as he retook his seat.
    “Oh, he needed to stay overnight for a procedure. I’m just home to get his toiletry kit and a change of clothes for us both in the morning and to grab a quick bite to eat. Have you boys eaten?”
    “Yeah,” Hugo answered. “We ate at Kevin’s house.”
    “Would you like me to make you some popcorn?” Both boys shrugged, apparently still feeling full from supper. “I’ll do that before I get on the road again. Get back to your movie. I’m sorry I interrupted,” she said as she climbed the stairs.
    Hugo immediately started the movie again, hoping the action on the television screen would distract Kevin from asking questions about Hugo’s father. It seemed to work, but when they had to pause it again when the popcorn was delivered, his mom started talking. Hugo tensed, but she said nothing related to his dad’s illness that was too obvious. She seemed to sense his reticence even though he’d never told her he didn’t want friends to know about his dad.
    “It looks like next week is going to be busy for Dad and me, but we’ll be home this weekend,” she said as if their conversation had only been interrupted by a quick phone call or the paperboy collecting a payment rather than a day of her being away at Mayo Clinic talking to medical professionals. “I left money for groceries in the usual spot. I also put the checkbook by the bills. I signed about ten checks already. Could you remind Charisse to pay the cable and utilities?”
    “Sure.” Hugo nodded. “So, you’ll be back for supper on Friday night or earlier?”
    “I’m thinking it’ll be earlier, but we’ll know more tomorrow afternoon after we talk about the results from today’s procedure. I’ll call you guys if we know anything. Otherwise, I’ll see you Friday for a special supper.” She stepped a little closer and set both palms on Hugo’s hair as she leaned in and absently kissed the top of his head. “Don’t work too hard. Love you,” she whispered and started to leave. “Oh, it was really good to meet you, Kevin. Have a good night, guys,” she said, her mind obviously on everything on her upcoming agenda.
    Kevin stood to shake her hand once again, saying, “It was really nice to meet you, Mrs. Thorson.”
    “Uffda! Call me Ruby, sweet boy. Mrs. Thorson is my mother-in-law.”
    Kevin chuckled and said, “All right, Ruby,” and sat down before she smiled and turned to head back up the stairs.
    “Drive safe,” Hugo called after her and then reached into the bowl for a handful of buttered popcorn. The screen door slammed shut, and Hugo