12
My son was born when I was twenty–six.
My company was up and running.
People at the company called my son “Little
Boss.”
I was “Big Boss.”
Claire named our son Thomas Jr.
I asked Claire why she picked that name.
She said, “After you. You’re the man.”
I paused, thinking about someone else.
I joked, “You know, some people think I’m kind of boring.”
“Who? Who thinks that?” Claire couldn’t
believe it.
I couldn’t believe it either.
Maybe only Amy could.
You don’t always appreciate what you have.
When Thomas was two, my company in
Boston was stable, making thirty million.
dollars a year.
My parents were getting old and kept asking
me to bring my son home.
I’d gone back before, but it was always quick.
<
I told Claire I wanted to take Thomas to see
my parents, and maybe invest in my hometown.
Claire agreed and asked if I wanted her to
come.
“If you’re busy, you don’t have to. After you graduate, we can have a wedding back
home.”
Claire and I had gotten married, but we never had a wedding.
She nodded. “Okay, you go first. Say hi to
your parents for me.”
