Chapter 15
As bony as the woman was, she had a grip like a boa constrictor. She smelled of perspiration, Dentyne, and cigarettes. Mom. Hank’s arms fluttered around his mother’s form for several seconds, like panicked birds that didn’t know where to go, until Hank had no other choice but to return Lula’s embrace.
Finally, he had the presence of mind to ask, “Mom, what are you doing here?”
Lula took a step back but kept her hands on Hank’s shoulders and her gaze locked on him. “Nice to see you too, Son. What a lovely surprise. How was your trip? Those are just a few of the things a mother might want to hear from a son she hasn’t seen in years, but noooo.” Lula laughed. “It’s okay, Hank. I know. I know. I should have called first.”