Page 56 of When He Saved Me
“I just don’t like it.” If I hadn’t known how conflicted he felt about the whole thing, I would have laughed at the way he crossed his arms and pouted at her.
“I know. But it will be fine, sweet boy.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before rising from the bed and crossing to the door. She turned and looked back at him. “Goodnight.”
“‘Night, Mom,” he called out. After she shut the door, he scooted over on the bed, swinging around to lay his head in my lap. I pulled his hair from the tie and ran my fingers through the golden strands. “I’ll text you as soon as we’re home. You know I’ll take care of her.”
“I know,” he said. “I know how much she means to you. It’s just that…I don’t know…I guess it’s just that feeling of ‘no one can take care of her likeItake care of her.’ I get that it’s not rational, but it’s hard not to feel that way.”
I tried to think about what that might feel like, to have that strong connection with someone. I hadn’t ever had anyone like that, but I supposed I could imagine I might feel that way if it was him. “You and your mom have had each other’s backs for a long time. I can imagine it’s hard to alter that dynamic.”
He was quiet for a moment before responding. “Maybe. I just love her so much.”
“I know.”
* * *
Monday dawned cold,the January sun reluctant to make its presence known, but Jamie beamed bright enough that it didn’t matter. By the time I trudged into the kitchen, scratching my head and squinting at the brightness of the lights, Jamie was showered, dressed, and, if I had to guess by the restless energy rolling off him, on his third cup of coffee.
“Morning!” he said, his cheerful tone making me cringe in the early-morning light.
I grunted at him in response as I crossed over to grab a mug and pour myself a cup. I hadn’t slept well, Jamie’s restless energy somehow bleeding into my subconsciousness, preventing me from getting a good night’s rest.
“For someone who tossed and turned all night, you’re awfully chipper,” I grumbled as I took a sip. He looked damn good too, despite his lack of sleep. I was pretty sure I looked like a skinny troll.
His face fell, and I immediately regretted my words. It felt like I’d kicked a puppy. “Did I keep you from sleeping?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in concern.
I waved my hand in front of me, dismissing his worry. “Maybe a little, but that’s okay. I’m off today, so I’ll take a nap after we get back from Annie’s appointment.”
He took my mug and set it aside before pulling me into him so we were facing each other chest to chest. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m just so worked up about today.”
I smiled as I pulled my head back to look at him. “I know. You’re going to be great!” I wrapped my arms around his waist, squeezing him close. “It’s nice to know you’re human like the rest of us,” I teased.
“What do you mean?” He was so legitimately confused that it was adorable.
“You just…like, you exude this confidence in pretty much everything you do. It’s nice to see you get nervous, just like the rest of us.”
He huffed out a breath of exasperation. “Of course I do!”
“Baby, don’t take it personally. I love seeing you so excited about this. You’re going to be amazing!”
His mouth stretched into a wide grin. “That’s the first time you called me ‘baby.’”
“So? You call me that all the time.”
“Yeah, but it’s a way bigger deal for you to do it, Mr. Relationship-phobe.”
I rolled my eyes. “Good grief. I might never say it again, now.”
“No, no, no! You have to say it now. It’s like a rule!”
“A rule, huh?” I raised my eyebrow. “What other rules are you going to make up?”
“Well, let’s see…” He pretended to think real hard.
“Oh my God, you’re so full of shit.” I laughed as I kissed him, enjoying how easy it always was with him. I hated that I’d fought this so hard, but I would be forever grateful that he hadn’t given up on me.
“All right, you two,” Annie said as she entered the kitchen. “I need to get a picture of this one on his first day of school.” She wore thick, mismatched socks, sweats, and an old Journey T-shirt, topped with a plaid flannel. Most days, she wore a headscarf, and today’s was bright pink. My mother would have died before allowing anyone to see her in such a mismatched outfit, which made me love Annie even more.
I took the phone from her and snapped a couple of pictures, then gestured for her to join Jamie. Despite her appearance, she didn’t hesitate to put her arm around him and lean in for the photo. The two of them beamed from ear to ear, their smiles turned up to full wattage, and I couldn’t help but think that this type of love and pride and joy is what everyone should aspire to in all their relationships. Fathers and sons. Wives and Husbands. Friends. Lovers.
