Page 86 of Dr. Brandt

“I have no idea, but I’m not turning that shit down.”

“That’s my little buddy. See, I’ve got it all worked out so that by the time I get home, you’ll be the biggest Lakers fan I know.”

“Dream on,” Jacks joked back.

“I’ll bet you one of my surfboards and surfing lessons that you will love the mother fucken Lakers by the time I step off that jet,” Cam said, pointing at the plane waiting for us to board whenever we finished this brilliant conversation.

“Language?” I said, staring at Cam.

“Yeah,” Jacks said, punching Cameron in the arm, “watch your language!”

Cam looked at me, and I had to cover my smile.

“You realize he’s staying with Jacob Mitchell, right?”

“Yeah, and Ash, and more importantly, little John, who will not allow vulgarity,” I added.

“Do you really believe that?” Cam said, turning back to Jacks. “Enjoy letting the curse words fly in support of the Lakers when you go with Jake. I wish I could be there to enjoy a beer and the game with you.”

“Unfortunately, you have to go on vacation with Mom.”

“And he can’t even cuss,” I said.

“Whatever will I do?” Cam said, and then he patted Jacks on the arm. “Remember, Ash is bringing you in for that scan I ordered. I’ll be looking at it when I get back, and you better believe your ass that I’m going to start putting some heavy pressure on you to decide on this surgery then.”

“Got it,” Jacks said, more deflated.

“I know it’s hard, but I want you to focus on this last month. Look at the support group you have surrounding you now. We’re all in this with you, kiddo,” Cam said, and I could see Jackson’s eyes light up a little.

“It is good to have all of you,” he said.

“Jackson, are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” I asked, starting to feel uneasy about leaving my son.

“Mom, like Cam said, sometimes you have to let them grow up a little.”

“Yeah, Cam did say that, but that was before I remembered that I was sending you to stay an entire week with Jake.”

He smiled, “I’m leaving before Mom insists I go with you guys.” Jackson leaned in and gave me another quick hug before turning and walking off. “Love you.”

“Love you too, Jacks,” I said.

Cam brought his arm around me. “Ready to do this?”

I looked around for the luggage. “Um, what the hell happened to our bags?”

“The captain is loading it for us,” he said, walking me toward the plane. “And the flight attendant already has your favorite pasta ready to serve once we’re in the air.”

“Holy shit, is that how these private jets work?”

“Yeah, Jim pays these guys the big bucks to ensure every need is met while we fly the friendly skies.”

“Now you’re just being an ass,” I said.

“True,” he kissed my temple. “Let’s get away and have some fun.”

It seemed like all I did these days was have fun, and part of me questioned whether I should. Don’t get me wrong; it was an enjoyable escape from the stresses of everything—one I told myself repeatedly that I deserved—but I could sense that I wasn’t very grounded.

I was out here, living my best life, but I wasn’t as attentive as usual with Jackson. I think he enjoyed that part, actually, but it was a foreign feeling to me.

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