The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots by Karla Akins Read Free Book Online Page B

push my buttons.”
    Why did I constantly need to remind Patrick of Timmy’s limitations?
    “Then don’t let your buttons show.” I kept my voice soft and low.
    Patrick just shook his head and looked out the window.
    He was drifting away from me.
    Timmy had drifted away at the age of 18 months when he suddenly lost all his speech and stopped making eye contact. But Patrick was drifting for other reasons. And I needed to find out why.
    We pulled up to Patrick’s friend’s house, and he took his guitar out of the back of the van.
    “Don’t bother picking me up,” he said. “Nadia is taking me home.”
    “Who’s Nadia?” I asked.
    “Yeah, who’s Nadia?”Aaron looked at Patrick, who stood by his window.
    “James’s big sister,” Patrick said.
    “How old is she?” I was worried. Patrick had never been in a car alone with a girl before.
    “Eighteen, Mom. She’s too old for me.”
    “Well, OK. But be home by ten o’clock. No later.”
    “Mom, c’mon. It’s Friday night.”
    “And you’re only fifteen years old,” Aaron said. “Ten o’clock. Period.”
    “Fine.” He turned around and walked away with his shoulders hunched in frustration.
    “I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately.” I leaned myhead against the hard window, a clear barrier against the outside world. If only I could build such a barrier between my children and the roiling emotions of growing up.
    “It’s called cutting Mama’s apron strings.” Aaron hid my hand in his.
    “You think so?” I cradled his hand in both of mine. “But I don’t baby him.”
    Aaron sat silent.
    I wondered what that meant.
    At the recital, I turned Timmy’s iPod on to his favorite playlist and helped him with his earphones. He couldn’t handle the high tones of the instruments and would hold his ears and scream if he didn’t listen to something else. He turned up his favorite songs on his iPod while Danny and the other students played.
    I was bursting with admiration at Daniel’s performance. He played every note with skill and perfection. He was, in a word, brilliant.
    “Danny have much talent. He work hard.” His teacher, Miss Lyang, originally from Japan, smiled and bowed in front of me after the recital. We all loved and applauded her skill as a teacher and musician.
    “Yes, he does work hard. But he has a good teacher, too. I want to thank you for all your hard work.”
    “My pleasure.” Miss Lyangbowed again and turned to speak to other parents.
    I gave Danny a big hug. At least my baby was still willing to let his mom show him affection in public. I was keenly aware of how soon my brood would leave the nest. Well, except for Timmy. But his hugs were few and far in between.
    “Oh, Danny, your performance was splendid.” I kissed his freckled forehead.
    “Thanks, Mom. Can I have a cookie now?”
    “Sure.” I laughed.
    He had no inklings of his gift. He just loved to play.
    “Good job, son.” Aaron hugged Danny and messed his hair. “Your Grandma Donovan would be proud.”
    “Did you video it so I can post it online for Grandma?” Danny loved talking to his grandma online.
    “I got every note,” Aaron said.
    Danny chattered all the way home, and Timmy mimicked him and clapped.
    It was ten thirty by the time we arrived and found the house completely dark.
    “Maybe Patrick’s in the basement watching a movie.” At least I hoped he might be.
    Goliath met us at the door and begged to be let out. As I pushed him out the back door into the fenced yard, I hollered down the basement stairs.
    “Patrick?”
    No answer.
    I prepared a snack for Timmy as Daniel fed Goliath and Aaron paced in the living room.
    “He’s not going to get here any faster just because you keep looking out the window.” I gave Timmy his fruit cup and unloaded the dishwasher.
    “Maybe we should call someone.” Aaron sat on the couch and flipped on the TV.
    A car pulled up.
    I finally let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
    “You’re