Page 78 of Single Dad Dilemma
We’d already taken down the tree, the corner of the room now filled with a floor lamp and a basket that held a couple of blankets. Next year, I likely wouldn’t even put it up—and it was that thought that sent my eyes over to the spot on the wall that had held the mistletoe—a gift from my daughter, I’d later found out.
That was gone too.
Where would Lily be next Christmas? Absently, I rubbed at my chest. Even though it wasn’t mine to worry about, the question gnawed at me all the same.
My phone buzzed in my hand, and there was a punch in my chest when I thought it might be Lily, irrational though it was. I had her number and she had mine, but now that she wasn’t watching the kids, there wasn’t much reason for me to text her.
But the text wasn’t from her.
It was from someone just as surprising, though.
Griffin:Your win didn’t suck today.
I shook my head, quickly deciding I couldn’t do this with an audience, especially if my parents had any idea that there was some form of reciprocal conversation happening between us. Then there was pressure, expectations. And more than anything, my brother and I needed space to figure out what a relationship between us looked like.
I didn’t answer until I took a seat in the den, which also served as my office.
Me:Neither did yours.
Griffin:You feel as tired as I do right now?
Me:Probably not. You had four sacks and played every defensive snap with a half-healed arm.
Griffin:It’s notHalf-Healed. I’m fine. That mother of ours is running her mouth, isn’t she?
Me:It’s possible.
For a moment, three dots appeared on the screen and then disappeared, only to reappear again. It was good to know I wasn’t the only one stumbling through these occasional interactions.
Griffin:I wanted to ask you something if you’ve got a minute.
Me:No, I don’t think you’re better looking than me.
Griffin:Holy fuck, did you just make a joke?
Me:I’m funny.
Griffin:Uh-huh.
Griffin:Anyway ... would you be okay with the kids coming to spend a few days with me and Ruby now that the season’s done? We’d love to spend some time with them.
Griffin:Intentional time. You know, when you’re aware they’re flying to see me. I already told Maggie she’s not allowed to forge paperwork anymore.
I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed, thinking of how my kids would want me to answer. They’d beg and plead. Promise all sorts of things in exchange for a long weekend with Griffin and his fiancée.
The selfish part of me wanted to say no. My schedule had just freed up, too, breathing room that would allow me to see them more. Clinging tight to Maggie and Bryce would be so easy. More than anything, I wanted to keep them near me after such an exhausting season.
But it wouldn’t be fair.
Me:Give me at least a week with them now that I can breathe again, but after that, I’d be open to letting them visit.
Griffin:Thank you. I know you have every reason to say no, but I miss them.
Me:They miss you too. And you’re welcome.
Griffin:I don’t want to sound like a sappy asshole ...
Me:Dear God, then don’t. I already said yes, you don’t have to suck up to me.
