Page 20 of It Never Happened
I take the streets carefully, thinking about how to ask Jack to stay. In the end it comes down to Joey. I’ll just make sure he knows this is for his son and that's it. By the time I get to the florist, Joey is asleep.
“Crap. I knew this would happen.” I pull up in front of the shop and call inside. “Hi, it's Courtney Becker.”
“Hey, Miss Becker. What can I do for you?”
“I’m here to pick up my Christmas centerpiece, but Joey just fell asleep in the car. Can someone run it out to me? I’ll give you my credit card over the phone.”
“Sure, let me just put you on hold.”
I glance in the rearview and smile when I see Joey’s little face so peacefully asleep. He looks so much like Jack. I’m startled when the owner knocks on my window. I roll it down quickly, dropping my phone in the cupholder and accepting the flowers.
“Did we get disconnected? I’m sorry I didn't give my card number.”
“They’re paid for. Have a great Christmas!” And as fast as she approached, she’s gone.
I place the flowers on the seat next to me and take a deep breath.
“Jack.”
I back out of the spot and head to the drive-through, getting Joey something to eat for when he wakes up and a coffee for me. I should spike it when I get homeso I can deal with this conversation. Instead, I pull into a parking spot, leaving the car on while I sip on my coffee and call Jack.
“Coco, what's up?”
I grip the phone tightly. “Are you the one who’s been going around town paying for my stuff?”
“I’m just trying to make things a little easier while I’m here.”
While I'm here.I close my eyes and breathe deeply. “I can do it myself, Jack.”
“I know you can. But I want to help. Why are you whispering?”
“Joey and I were running errands and he fell asleep in my truck.”
“You’re still out? The roads are getting bad.”
“I know. That's actually why I'm calling.”
“Are you okay? Where are you?” His voice becomes frantic.
“I’m fine. But listen. The snow is supposed to get worse in the next couple days, and Joey is afraid you won’t get to our house on Christmas. I assured him you'd make it, but he was upset and crying about wanting you with him.”
He lets out a long sigh. “I’m making it worse by only coming once a year, aren't I?”
“It certainly doesn’t make it better. We knew this would happen though. He’s getting older and he’s asking a lot of questions. FaceTime calls aren’t enough.”
“Doyouwant me to stay?”
“I think it’d be good for Joey to have you close.”
“That wasn’t my question, Coco.”
Oh, when he calls me that, he breaks down all my defenses. I wish it could be different. I wish our whole marriage could have been different. “Jack,” Iwhisper out. I thought I could learn to live without him, but the last five years have been hard.
“I want to stay with you. Do you want to come get me?”
I glance again at Joey, and within a matter of seconds, I make my decision. Joey deserves for us to try, at least for the holiday. “Yes. I'll be there in ten.”
“I’ll be ready.”
