Page 75 of Impending Consent

"What do you mean?"

"This mistake is actually an opportunity. A chance to try something different."

I stared at him, surprised by this perspective. "You're not going to lecture me about being reckless and selfish?"

TJ laughed. "Would it do any good?"

"Probably not."

"Then, no. But can we talk about the part where you mentioned you were tired of being the reliable one and that…”

I quickly shook my head. “Teej, no. I was just venting.”

“No, you weren’t. You were speaking from the heart and that’s okay. You always tiptoe around mine and Sky’s feelings so you don’t upset our balance, but that means you don’t get to be yourself and express how you feel. That’s not fair, and truthfully, Sky and I haven’t been fair to you by allowing you to pick up our slack.”

“That’s not the case.”

“Yeah it is, Sail. I can’t help what happened to me. I can’t help that I shut down and how things work in my mind but that’s not an excuse to overlook that you were struggling too. I love you, Sail. I’m the big brother, and I haven’t always done my part, but I promise from now on, I will do better. I see you and I hear you, okay?”

My heart tightened and I felt tears forming. “Teej.”

“No tears, Sail. Fuck, we’ve had enough of those in this family. It’s time for the good shit. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Look, you've spent years avoiding anything that resembles commitment. Maybe this forced situation is exactly what you needed."

"I didn't need to be trapped in a marriage," I argued.

"Didn't you?" TJ challenged. "Because the Sailor I know runs at the first sign of emotional attachment. Being trapped means you can't run. You have to face it."

I frowned. "That's a pretty twisted perspective."

"I prefer insightful. Just give it a chance, Sail. That's all I'm saying. I like him and more importantly, you clearly do too, even if you're not ready to admit it."

Before I could formulate a response, there was a knock at my door. Sheila poked her head in. "Sorry to interrupt, but your ten o'clock is here, TJ."

"Thanks, Sheila. Tell them I'll be right there." He stood, straightening his tie. "Think about what I said, okay?"

I nodded, still processing his words as he left. My brother was now delivering relationship wisdom and I was married. Life really did have a strange sense of humor.

After TJ left my office, I got to work. I had more than enough to keep me busy, and by lunchtime, I was deep in the thick of things and grateful for the familiar routine. I was reviewing an email from the ADA stating he was going to dismiss the chargesagainst Fredrick for lack of evidence when my phone vibrated with a text.

Rival: How's the legal world today?

I smiled and lifted my phone.

Me: Cutthroat as always. How's custom furniture?

Rival: About to head to that consultation. Wish me luck.

Me: Good luck. Don't give away your skills too cheaply. You have a wife that loves expensive things.

Rival: Indeed I do. See you tonight.

It was a simple exchange but left me feeling oddly grounded.

I was still smiling when I heard the unmistakable sound of a toddler's laughter echoing down the hall. A moment later, my office door burst open and a tiny whirlwind of wild spirals and pink barreled toward me.

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