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The laughter died and Carlton sighed thoughtfully. “You’re serious.”
“I am. This is a big opportunity, and only the best will make me happy.” I’d been trying for days to arrange things for this Venezuela trip, and it was just about set. “It shouldn’t take longer than a week.”
When he sighed, I knew I had him. “You know I can’t turn down a trip, and I get to show off my tan biceps.”
I laughed. “That won’t be necessary, keep your bulging muscles to yourself please.”
“Oh, it’s like that, is it?”
I smiled. “No, just this trip is important. That’s all.”
“Fine, I’m in. Email me the details.”
I flashed a triumphant smile and pumped my fist in the air. I loved it when a plan came together flawlessly. “Thanks Carl, I owe you one.”
“And don’t you forget it,” he grunted. “I have a date to get ready for, with a model. I’ll be looking for those details.”
“I’ll send them over now,” I assured him and ended the call.
“You’re leaving.” Michelle’s voice startled me, and I turned to see her arms crossed, face twisted into a frown. “I guess giving me enough notice to make plans for your absence was too much to ask?”
“Michelle.” My shoulders fell at her anger, her insinuation. “I’ve been here for months, helping with Mickey and trying to make your life easier and still you don’t trust me?” It hurt, but I knew I’d done this to her, to us.
“Trust takes time, and a few months, while appreciated, isn’t near long enough to forget a lifetime of packed bags and rushed goodbyes.”
“I know and I’m sorry, but I can’t change that Michelle. I’ve apologized and I showed up here when you needed me to do more than just say that I’m sorry. What more can I do?” I started to have a deeper understanding of Lacey’s problems with GG in that moment. Would my actions today ever make up for the past?
“You can start by not rushing off at the first sign of problems in the world, Dad.”
I nodded. “I deserve that, and I know it, but this time you’re wrong.”
My daughter, as stubborn as I was, tightened her arms around herself and lifted her chin high in the air, a smug look on her face. “So that wasn’t Saul with another assignment that you just can’t pass up halfway around the world?”
I grinned at her words, a sad grin that served as a reminder of the damage my actions had caused. “No, smartass. It was Carlton.”
Her face paled. “So, the trip is booked already and you really are leaving.” The air deflated out of her and she dropped down on the sofa. “I’m actually surprised.”
That cheered me up some. “Good. It means you’re starting to trust me, to take me at my word.”
“Fat lot of good that’s doing for me at the moment.” Her shoulders sank in disappointment, and I could see the gears churning in her head, thinking of who she could call to fill in as Mickey’s full-time caregiver.
“I’m not going to Venezuela, Michelle.”
“It’s all right Dad, I get it.”
“No, you really don’t. I called Carlton because I need someone I trust to go with Lacey to Venezuela. If I can convince her to do this story.”
She looked up at me with wide eyes, filled with shock. “What? Really?”
I flashed a soft smile and nodded. “Lacey is ready to do this, and more importantly I think this story and this experience will be good for her. Saul wanted me to go with her, but I don’t want to step on her toes or overshadow her.”
“That’s why this is important? Because of Lacey?” Michelle’s smile came slowly, a hint of mischief behind it. “You must really care about Lacey.”
“I do.” I cared about Lacey more than I’d cared about my wife, which was either romantic or pathetic.
“You never turned down a story for me.” The words were said without a hint of malice or accusation, just stated as a cold hard fact, which I could appreciate.
“No, I didn’t, and I’m sorry as hell for that. But being here with you and Mickey, it’s taught me how to be better for the people I care about. I’m sorry I didn’t learn that when it would have meant something to you, Michelle.”
“I know.”
“I turned down this story for you, not Lacey. Well, for Mickey too.” I smiled at the idea that the best part of my day was hanging out with a toddler. “I gave you my word and I meant it. With all of my heart. I just wish it meant something to you.”
“It does,” she sighed and shook her head. “When it comes to you Dad, I am incapable of being the calm and cool Dr. Branson, I’m just little Shellie Branson, wishing her daddy would show up for science fair, debate club and all the other things I did to get your attention.”
