Page 12 of Three Not-So-Little Words
“As good as I can be, I guess. Trying to make this whole thing work while not fucking up my kid.”
“Shit, man. That’s rough. I can’t imagine how I’d be if something happened to Liz.”
“I’m hoping that he’ll be okay. Next week, he starts school, so maybe that will get him into a routine.”
He picks up a pen and messes with it as he speaks. “I know we haven’t seen each other for a while, but if you need anything, just let me know. If you need to bring him to work with you, or even if you need a sitter for the night so that you can go have some fun, I’m happy to help.”
“Thanks, Jack. That means a lot.” I lean back in the chair and cross my arms over my chest. “Colton’s grandma on his mom’s side lives in the area and has offered to help out on weekends. I’m dropping him off tomorrow so that I can try to get the house in order.”
“Is that all you’ve got going on?” He asks.
“Why?” I smile. “Does that sound way too pathetic?”
His booming laugh bounces off the walls. “Not at all. I’m getting married this weekend.”
“Fuck, Jack. Way to bury the lead.”
“Why don’t you come?”
I cock an eyebrow. “To your wedding? Isn’t fucking with the invite list right before the big day frowned upon?”
“Nah. It’s not that fancy of a wedding. Come on, it’ll be a good way to meet some people around town.”
“When the hell did you become so nice?” I joke. “Small town life must be rubbing off on you.”
He points a finger at me. “Just wait. It’ll rub off on you too.”
“Will I also start getting all the gray hairs that you have?”
“You have a kid. Of course, you will.” He gestures to his hair. “See all this? It’s from having a daughter for a year.”
“I’d hate to see you when she starts dating.”
He sighs. “Oh, Christ. Let’s not even talk about that.”
“But for real, you’re like a whole new man.”
He nods. “Getting away from Miami was life-changing for me–in a good way. I hope it’ll be the same for you.”
“You and me both.”
“So, will you come to the wedding?”
I consider his offer. I’m not sure if he’s inviting me because he’s just being nice or if he pities me. Either way, it’s kind of him. I suppose getting out and trying to socialize may not be a bad idea.
“Sure. That sounds great.” I pause a moment before asking. “Am I still good to start work next week?”
“Yeah. Whenever you’re ready. If you need more time, just let me know.”
“I appreciate it, man.”
He pauses for a moment as if considering what he wants to say.
I say, “Go ahead and ask what you want to.”
“What was the deal with you and Colton’s mom? Were you together when she passed?”
I shake my head. “We broke up a while ago. We cared about each other, but my fighting career put a giant wedge between us. We decided to just stay really good friends and raise Colton together. I guess the universe had other plans for her.”
