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“I’d say it was a bit maudlin at the end, but I didn’t mind it much,” Thomas said as he opened the door for Tom, Sybbie and George to exit the cinema following a matinee of The First Auto. The kids continued on a few paces down the sidewalk while Tom waited for Thomas to catch up.
“Stay close now, you two,” Tom called out after the kids, smiling. Turning to Thomas, he replied, “Truth be told, I wasn’t really watching it for the story.”
“The car,” Thomas sighed, giving a slim smile. “Of course.”
“It’s the 999!”
“That doesn’t mean anything to me.”
“It’s set multiple speed records. And that was Barney Oldfield driving it, no less.”
“Who’s he then?”
“He’s the one who was driving it in the picture when…” Tom paused and gave a short laugh at Thomas’s answering smirk. “Now you’re just winding me up.”
“What can I say, it’s fun to see you get heated.”
Tom opened his mouth, but no answer was forthcoming as his cheeks reddened, and Thomas smiled again, more openly this time. He walked ahead for a few moments, enjoying the moment and taking the opportunity to catch up with the children. George and Sybil both took hold of one of Thomas’s hands as they stepped out into the street and crossed to the play park, Tom just behind. Tom smiled to himself, watching as Thomas took turns swinging the kids before they eventually decided to make their way over to the actual swings, newly installed as they were. Thomas happily watched them run, and Tom favored him with a soft, sentimental smile.
“What?” Thomas asked when he glanced over and caught Tom’s expression.
“When Sybil died, I promised myself I’d never love another woman so long as I lived.” He looked Thomas in the eyes, his gaze layering meaning he couldn’t speak aloud. “I think I just realized I’ll be able to hold to that promise.”