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“That’s good to hear.” I cup the back of my neck, trying to rub away the tension building with knowing I have to head back to St. Louis, but nothing seems to help. “I have to go back to work for a while, and I’m hoping you can still keep an eye on him.”
I won’t go into detail much about Alex’s homelife, but Mike seems to understand that Alex is still in need of a little extra attention.
“I’ll keep a look out,” he agrees. “Do you know how long you’ll be gone?”
“You’re leaving?”
The question comes from behind me, and I want to call Deacon and quit my job on the spot when I turn around to see Alex’s sad face.
I guess I can count it as a win that he isn’t glaring at me like his mother did an hour ago. She doesn’t believe I’ll come back. She didn’t have to say the words. The accusation was written all over her pretty face.
“You guys can use my office to chat,” Mike says before stepping out of the way.
Alex drags his feet, taking his sweet time to go inside, his unhappiness with the news in each slow shuffle of his feet.
I grin at the sight of the new shoes I bought him. I don’t know when he caved and started wearing them, and that’s just evidence that I haven’t been as attentive to him as I should’ve been lately.
“You’re leaving?” There’s more anger in his voice with the repeat of his question.
“I have to go to work for a while,” I tell him as I close us into the principal’s office.
“How long?” Long, stubborn arms cross over his chest, his mouth set in an obstinate scowl.
“A week, maybe two?”
“So not forever?”
“What?” I look at him, like truly look at my son. “No. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I told you I’m not going away.”
“Just for work?”
“That’s it. I’m the only one on the team that’s multilingual. They won’t be able to clear the case without me.”
“Maybe,” he begins, looking down and digging the toe of his shoes into the worn industrial carpet at his feet. “Maybe Mom will let me go with you?”
“I’m headed to St. Louis, but then we’re flying out to a different country.”
It sucks not being able to discuss details with him. It makes me feel like I’m keeping secrets rather than upholding confidentiality rules set in my contract with Blackbridge.
“Like Germany or Japan?”
He looks up, excitement replacing the disappointment on his young face.
“I need you to stay here and take care of your mother. She needs you.”
He mulls this over but doesn’t speak.
“Plus, you have school, and your game against North Lake is Saturday. The team needs you.”
“But you won’t be there.”
I open my mouth to tell him I’ll try to make it, but I know that’s going to be impossible with the job lined up.
“Not that one, but hopefully I’ll make it to the tournament after. You guys are going to blow that out of the water, and I don’t want to miss it.”
“Yeah. We’re gonna kill it.”
“That means you have to stay out of trouble.” I give him a pointed look. “No fights or problems at school, no hanging out with kids that will get you in trouble. Your mom needs you.”
“I won’t get into any trouble,” he assures me.
I want to wrap my arms around him for a hug, but I don’t know if we’re there yet.
“Anything we need to talk about before I head to the airport?”
He shakes his head. “Will you call me?”
“I will.” My heart grows a little with his request. “Alright, buddy. I gotta catch my plane.”
I look him over one last time, committing him to memory, knowing I’m going to start missing him before I even board my flight, before turning around to leave the office.
“Hey, Dad?” I turn to look at him, my heart caught in my throat, because he’s never called me that before. “Be safe, okay?”
“I w-will.” The last word lodges in my throat, and I take a chance, walking up to him and wrapping my arms around him.
I’m the happiest man on the planet when he squeezes me back.
***
“I wouldn’t have asked if we didn’t need you,” Deacon says as we walk toward the IT office. “I looked for a third-party translator but Gallen was the only one available and—”
“That guys a complete dick,” I mutter.
“Exactly. I swore I’d never use him again, but I want you to know I legitimately considered it before calling you. I know you’re working through a lot of shit, and it was a hard call to make.”
“It’s fine, but I’d like to get started so I can get back.”
Would now be a good time to have the conversation about severing my ties to the company?
Leaving Alex and Tinley back in Texas isn’t something I can deal with doing over and over and over. Even if it’s for a week or so at a time while I work, they just aren’t in a place where I feel like they’re both safe and emotionally ready to be alone.
