Rowyn’s stomach knotted at the idea of not seeing Eliza, or the kids, daily. At not being the one to help them with their lunches, or learn new recipes to make, or teach them the harmless pranks Eliza had finally warmed up to. It also ached at the idea of not seeing Eliza in her business suits first thing in the morning or listening as she passed the door while Eliza read the kids their bedtime story or watching how hard she worked to learn and understand them more. The truth was, it was alreadymore like home than anywhere else ever had been, and they were like family.
“What if I want to take a giant leap of faith?” Rowyn asked.
Avery was silent for a while and Rowyn watched the water ripple as she waited.
“As your friend, I want to tell you to go for what you want. Declare your love, throw your heart on the line, and dive right in. Anyone would be more than lucky to have you as part of their family Rowyn, and I mean that sincerely. In the brief time we’ve been friends, I am already absolutely certain my life is better because you’re in it.”
Rowyn smiled softly while she waited on the but that was undoubtedly coming.
“But…”
There it is.
“My parents divorced when I was young. My father had multiple girlfriends who he would introduce me to, much to my mother’s annoyance. It was a terrific way of pretending to spend time with me while actually getting them to do all of the work. I’d get attached, naturally, and then they’d be gone because he’d inevitably fuck up. Some would last weeks, some months, one he even married. I adored her. She was one of the only ones who actually cared about me. She learned how to do my hair properly, something my father never bothered to do. He was a white man with a Black child and chose to ignore what that meant for me,” Avery said.
“What a dick,” Rowyn muttered before she could stop herself.
Avery nodded in agreement before continuing.
“I’m lucky that my mother is a strong, amazing Black woman who instilled everything I needed into me. She wanted me to have a relationship with my father, but she knew he wasn’t going to be what I needed too. Luckily, my visits with him were few andfar between. They became more frequent when his new wife was around, and I think she stayed with him longer than she wanted to or should have because of me. It broke my heart when they split, and hers too, I’m sure. She tried to stay in my life after that, but it was too difficult.”
Rowyn’s heart hurt at the idea of a young Avery dealing with so much loss.
“I’m not saying the situation is the same at all. I know that’s not who Eliza is or who you are, but there are still two children involved. Parents are entitled to date and to enjoy their lives too, and to take a chance on love when the time is right. It doesn’t always work out—that’s life, and they can’t protect their kids from everything. But this situation, with the kids already being so attached to you and living with you and clearly thriving with you around, I imagine for Eliza it makes that leap of faith seem more like a colossal one. She’s probably feeling like she’s choosing between her own happiness or the kids, and it’s maybe difficult to see a way to make both be true without a hell of a lot of trust in a relationship that’s still new. But again, I’m making some assumptions here, so talk to her.”
Rowyn digested Avery’s words, all of which were more than plausible. She had thought she understood the complications involved, but when it came down to it, there was still so much she hadn’t considered.
“If acting doesn’t work out, you should totally be a psychologist or something. You’re way too good at this.”
Avery shrugged.
“Trauma’s good for some things, eh? Thanks, Dad.” Avery chuckled.
Rowyn’s phone buzzed and she pulled it out. One new message that made her stomach flutter at the sender.
Urgent work issue has come up and I need to fly out to the head office first thing in the morning. I should be back byTuesday night. Is that okay with you? I know you’re working anyway, but overnights weren’t planned for this week, so I can ask Henry to swap if needed.
Rowyn typed out a quick reply to say it was fine. The kids wouldn’t like the sudden change with their mom being gone, but they especially wouldn’t react well to a change of plans by going to their dad’s either.
Rowyn had promised Amelia extra practice time at the pitch before school sports day that Wednesday. Amelia was absolutely determined to come in top three in the race this year and had been working so hard to surprise her mom. The top three from each race would qualify for the Cork Primary School Sports, which was a big deal.
From what she could tell, Amelia had come in fourth two years in a row, and the lead-up had caused so much anxiety and frustration that she had sat out the last two years of the races at school sports. This year, Amelia had decided she wanted to compete without letting anyone else know so she wouldn’t feel pressure beforehand. She had confided in Rowyn to get her help with practice. Rowyn was proud of the maturity in the decision and had respected her wishes to keep it between them.
Rowyn tried her best to get Amelia to temper her expectations, but she had to admit the focus and drive it was giving Amelia was helping in all aspects of their day. She could easily spin the fact that they’d have more practice time now to help with the change of Eliza being gone for a night.
“All good?” Avery asked, as they neared the market.
“Yep. Eliza has to head out of town on work in the morning, so I guess the talking will have to wait a little longer,” Rowyn said.
“Huh. I could’ve sworn there was this thing called phones where you can do said talking from anywhere. Neat, isn’t it? Also, in the morning means you’ve still got tonight, right?”
Rowyn huffed.
“Stop making sense. Can I stick to avoidance for a little bit longer?”
“Your choice, my friend. It’s clearly worked out so well for you in the relationship department, why stop now?”
Rowyn glared at Avery before they both burst into laughter.
