Page 32 of Impossible

“That’s true, I mean it’s a little fast I suppose, but on the other hand, you’re still young. And I don’t know, I mean, is there really a timeline you are supposed to follow before you can have feelings for someone? It’s not like you're saying you are out there partying it up and dating. So, you found someone who you are attracted to, that’s going to happen.”

“It’s Riley,” I hang my head down as I whisper out. “Riley is the one I have been having these feelings for.”

“Riley? Like...Riley, Riley?” he asks surprised.

“Yes, I know, I’m horrible.”

“Hey, now! I didn’t say that, man. I mean is it surprising? Yes! But I mean, it kind of makes sense. You have been spending a lot of time with her. Like I said, it’s not like you were going out trying to meet someone. Don’t feel bad, bro. You have been through hell. If something is happening that could make you happy, there is no reason to feel bad about it.”

“But it’s Becca’s best friend. Not only is it too soon, it’s Riley,” I tell him.

“First of all, I told you, I don’t think there is a timeline. Second of all, I don’t think it being Riley is a bad thing. I don’t know, maybe other’s would think differently, but I think it seems like a weirdly good fit. Becca would have wanted you to move on and be happy, and obviously she thinks the world of Riley. Why wouldn’t she be happy about that?”

“But what would everyone think?” I ask.

“Man, screw what anyone says. You lost your wife on the day your daughter was born. You have taken on the role as a single parent, doing an awesome job, and you are finally settled in at your job. I say, if you find someone, you go for it! And besides, who says it’s going to go anywhere. Give it some time, maybe it will fade away. You could just be lonely and she is always around. But if it doesn’t fade, do what makes you happy.”

“You really think so?”

“Hell yeah, I do! I mean if you're asking would I rather see you live a lonely, miserable life pining over your wife that passed away or find someone else to make you happy? Come on, of course I will tell you I want you to be happy.”

“Thanks, man. I really appreciate that.” I pat him on the shoulder. “It has been a really rough last five months, and I am finally feeling like I can breathe again.”

“Good, I’m really happy to hear that. We have all been worried about you. Especially when you didn’t come around or want to see much of anyone the first month.”

I look around at Jackson’s place, momentarily forgetting about my situation, now being curious again as I see the kids toys in a corner.

“So, what’s with the woman and kid staying here? This looks like more of a permanent situation. You have anything you want to talk about with me?”

“Nah,” he looks away from me, like he can’t make eye contact. “It’s nothing, man. They need a place to stay for a while, and I told them it’s no rush. I don’t want Will to feel like he has to live out of the guest bedroom, so I told them to make themselves at home here.”

Jackson seems awfully worried about this boy. I won’t press him on it now, but I have a feeling there is more to the story than he is sharing with me right now. I wonder if there is something going on between him and the mom. It doesn’t seem like he would get involved with a single mom, but who am I to judge at this point?

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