Page 125 of Fierce-Michael

“Nothing,” he said. “She’s not said a word about it and has canceled more times than not. I’m going to make her sit down and talk about this. It’s worse than it ever has been and it’s upsetting Ty. I’m sick of making excuses for things when I don’t know her reasons. If she needs time away, then I want to know. Then I can stop having this up and down with my son.”

“Our grandson,” Amber said. “If she decides she doesn’t want to see him anymore, are we going to be cut out of the picture too?”

“No,” he said. “I won’t do that. Never. I feel I keep you more involved in Ty’s life than Electra does.”

“You do,” Amber admitted. “We appreciate the cards and pictures you send us.”

He tried to remember and text them pictures of special events or moments in Ty’s life. They’d always thanked him too.

“I’ll still do it,” he said. “If you want to see him or spend time, you are welcome to it if we can work it out. I’ll make sure that I do.”

“Okay,” Kirk said. “It’s about all we can ask for. Amber, let’s go outside and talk with Ty. It’s not the time to deal with this now.”

He watched Electra’s parents walk out the door and went to get a beer.

“That was uncomfortable, but I’m not surprised either.”

He turned when Owen was standing there. “Dude, I thought you weren’t going to make it.”

“I flew in last night. You don’t think I’d miss this, do you? I’ll fly back out tomorrow.”

Jesus. His best friend flew in for the weekend just to celebrate his son’s birthday.

“Thanks for that.”

“Why didn’t you tell me things were bad with Electra?” Owen asked.

“It’s not a conversation to have over the phone.”

“And I haven’t been around,” Owen said. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. I always expected things might be this way, but they just turned it now. Maybe I wasn’t prepared.”

“Or she’s doing it because of Kelly being in your life?” Owen asked. “Did you think of that?”

“I know it’s that.”

“What does Kelly think of it?”

“We’ve talked. She’s been good about it all. Supportive. We had one big fight and worked it out.”

“Only one,” Owen said. “I would have expected more than that. She’s a saint to put up with what is going on.”

“Thanks,” he said drily.

“I’m not trying to be an ass,” Owen said. “Just being realistic.”

“I know. You heard what I told Electra’s parents. I’m going to have to deal with this. Ty is upset. The ups and downs are confusing and he’s not sure why she doesn’t want to see him. Maybe if I pull him back for some time she’ll realize she misses him and it will be fine.”

“Do you think that will happen?”

He sighed and took a swig of his beer. “Probably not.”

“Do what is best for Ty. You always do. But you have to do what is best for you and Kelly too. You’re not used to thinking that way.”

“I’ve been told that recently too.”

“By Kelly?” Owen asked.

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