“I own this company, remember?” she says with a faint smile. “And I can do whatever I want. Right now, I’m telling you to take a break.”
I don’t have the energy to argue. The warmth of their support feels like a safety net I didn’t realize I needed. “I’m sorry. I was really trying but I just—”
My mother chuckles, shaking her head as she stands and hands me my mug again. “It took everything in me to raise you three with your father. Doing it alone is a stress I wouldn’t wish on anyone, Judd. You are one of the strongest, smartest, and kindest men I know but that doesn’t mean you have to take everything on your shoulders. I swear I raised the three most stubborn kids there are.”
“I’m not stubborn,” Jess muses.
“Honey, you were probably the worst. If I had the time, I’d love to rehash the million phone calls home when a certain soldier of yours kept pestering you for attention. You were insufferable, in the best of ways.” My mother’s eyes twinkle and I glance over at Jess, wondering about the real story between Jess and her husband.
My sisters both tap my shoulders, Mom gesturing for them to leave. That’s when I realize why the mini-meeting had to happen here rather than in my office.
“Rest for a little bit and then finish whatever you need to. I’ll lock the door so no one comes in.” She presses a kiss to my forehead, much the same way I do to Stevie. “I know you’re all grown, Judd, but you’ll always be one of my children and I will be here whenever you need to reach out. Know that there is nothing wrong with you. Ava chose what she did and that’s on her but you are a wonderful father. Stevielovesyou and you will find your happiness eventually.”
With that, she leaves.
I take a few more sips of the coffee before setting it down and leaning back in the chair. I really do hope that happiness is right around the corner because fuck I need some of it this year.
Judd
As the day drones on, I’m no longer confident in taking an evening to myself. It’s been so long since I put myself first that it feels foreign. It might be strange, but spending lazy weekends with Stevie has become the highlight of my life rather than a chore. However, my mother and sisters aren’t wrong. I could use a break. That doesn’t make it any easier to ask for help.
“You’resureyou’re okay with Stevie on Friday?” I ask for what feels like the tenth time.
Jess stands in front of me, her arms crossed, exasperation written all over her face. “Judd, yes. For the last time, I’ve got this. Stevie is my niece and I love spending time with her. Besides, Athena and I barely see her as it is!” That makes me feel a bit worse and better at the same time.
Athena, my younger sister, has been so attentive to Stevie that it hurts. Even if we don’t all live close enough to spend time regularly, I’m starting to see that not leaning on my support system is robbing them of spending time with their niece.
I shift uncomfortably, my hands shoved deep into my pockets. “I just don’t want to—”
“To what? Be a responsible parent who knows when to ask for help?” she cuts in, raising an eyebrow. “Judd, come on. You’ve been running yourself into the ground.”
I sigh, glancing at the floor. She’s not wrong, but letting go, even for an evening isn’t something that comes easy. Still, I take a deep breath and then nod, knowing that this isn’t just about me. It’s about Stevie’s safety and well-being.
Jess’ expression softens. “Look, I’m even sending my cleaner to your place while you’re out. When you come home, everything will be spotless. No dishes, no laundry piles, nothing. You deserve this.”
“Jess, that’s too much,” I protest.
She waves me off. “It’snot. You’re my brother and you’ve been doing everything alone for far too long. Let us help. Letmehelp.”
I open my mouth to argue, but she gives me a pointed look, daring me to say no. “Fine,” I relent, dragging the word out.
A satisfied smile spreads across her face. “Good. I’ll make sure to throw in a few more sarcastic comments than usual next week so that you still get the full big sister package. Now, what are you going to do with your evening of freedom?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” I admit.
“Well, think fast,” she says, smirking. “Maybe you could go on a date.”
I roll my eyes, but the comment lands harder than I expect. I know my family worries about me, about how little time I spend on myself. It’s just hard to think about dating when Stevie is my entire world. Not because she has to be but because my baby girl deserves nothing less.
“Or you could just have a quiet night out. Whatever makes you happy. Just promise me you’ll dosomethingfor yourself.”
“I could use a quiet night,” I say, managing a small smile. “Thanks, Jess. Really.”
She grins, giving my arm a firm squeeze. “You’re welcome. Now go run your errands and take the rest of the day off. I’ll text you about picking up Stevie.” She leaves me without allowing me to respond and I know that there’s no way either of my sisters will change their mind regarding Friday.
I guess a few hours at the bar I used to frequent couldn’t hurt. A couple of drinks, whatever game is showing on the TV, and those greasy nachos I used to love once upon a time. Feeling satisfied with my choice of outing, I focus on the errands that need to be completed before I pick up Stevie.
Grocery shopping is the most important seeing as Stevie drank the last of the milk this weekend, leaving me none for my cereal this morning. We shared a very amusing breakfast of dry Cheerios and apple juice, not something I would try again any time soon.