Chasing Empty Spaces

Chapter 2

When Harry entered the room, he was immediately met with the smell of eggs and honey-glazed ham. His mother sat by the head of the table with an opened newspaper in front of her, eyes darting over the list of wedding announcements. He crossed the floor and stopped by her side, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. She made a pleased hum and leaned into the touch before looking away from the paper.

"Good morning," Anne chirped as Harry strode towards the opposite side of the table.

He pulled out a chair and mumbled, "Morning, Mama."

"How was last night, dear?"

"The performance went pretty well," Harry shrugged. His eyes brightened when he tacked on, "I didn't mess up the fingerings or anythin' even though the bassist was throwin' off the tempo."

"That's lovely," Anne despondently said. She took a sip of coffee from a ceramic mug, "And how about Faye?"

"What about her?" Harry's eyebrows pinched together.

Anne shot him an unimpressed look, "What'd she think of your playin'?"

Harry suspiciously cocked his head to the side, "Thought it was fine."

"Good morning," A member of the wait staff, Martha, pleasantly greeted Harry. She set a plate in front of him, identical to his mother's, "Would you like coffee or tea with breakfast today, Sir?"

Harry shot her an appreciative smile, "I'll have - "

Anne promptly cut Harry off with an authoritative tone, "He has a big day today and we need him awake." She pointed towards her own cup of coffee, "He'll have a black coffee, Martha."

"Of course, Ma'am," She nodded and walked in the direction of the kitchen.

Harry frowned at his mother, "Big day today?" He fidgeted with his cutlery, "What's today?"

The corner of Anne's mouth curled into a smile that created a sinking feeling inside of Harry's gut.

"Your father arranged a date for you and Faye Mason."

Harry dropped the knife that was in his hand, the metal loudly clashing against his plate. Anne jerked back at the abrupt sound, her well-manicured hand placed over her heart. He felt bile rising in his throat and his palms turned clammy. Harry gaped back at his mother and started to insistently shake his head.

"I - No," He shakily stuttered out. Harry roughly ran his fingers through his hair, "That's really not necessary, Mama."

Anne narrowed her eyes, "And why is that?"

Harry flailed his hands out in front of him, "She's awful and -"

"Watch your mouth, young man," Anne threateningly pointed her index finger at him.

"Not to mention it wouldn't be fair to her," Harry continued to ramble. He scratched the back of his neck, "Givin' a girl hope that it could lead to something when it won't?" Harry shrugged, "That's not very fair."

Anne shook her head with a smile plastered on her face, "What'd you mean it won't lead to something?" She let out a faint laugh and leaned forward with her hands clasped on the table, "Of course it will, dear."

"What?" Harry reared back.

"You two are an excellent match," Anne said as if she was discussing the weather instead of Harry's future. She ate a forkful of eggs and then cleared her throat, "She'd make a lovely partner for you."

Harry disbelievingly laughed, "Are we even talking about the same person?"

"Don't be rude," Anne snipped before taking another bite.