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I wanted herandCorey. Why couldn’t I have both?
At home, Corey went into his room and shut the door. I’d be lucky if I saw him for anything more than food for the rest of the night. I pulled out my phone, my fingers hovering over my mom’s phone number.
I hadn’t reached out in years, other than to respond to holiday or birthday wishes. Reviewing our old texts, it read like we were polite strangers.
I took a deep breath. Here went nothing.
Ryan: Would you like to see Corey sometime?
I was positive they knew he was in town. I felt a little guilty about not reaching out earlier. But getting him settled in, and then the upheaval when he got into trouble, I didn’t think they’d want to see him.
Mom: I would have thought you would have asked sooner.
Ryan: I’m asking now.
I thought texting would be easier than listening to the censure in her voice. Now, I wasn’t so sure. She never failed to set me on edge. As always, I felt judged and lacking.
Mom: What did you have in mind?
Ryan: You could come to a football game, or we could have dinner.
Football seemed easier. Less formal, but I knew they’d go for dinner. They loved formal dinners and making everyone else uncomfortable.
Mom: Let’s do dinner here tomorrow night.
I was hoping it wouldn’t be so soon. But it would be best to get it over with. I was doing the right thing, giving them an opportunity to get to know their grandchild. Maybe they’d be different with him. I could only hope.
* * *
The next day, I was tense at work. I forgot to log in appointments on our software and invoice customers when they left.
“What’s up with you?” Jake asked after lunch.
I ran a hand through my hair before setting my cap back on my head. “I’m meeting my parents for dinner tonight.”
He raised a brow. “You’re bringing Corey?”
“That’s why I’m doing it. To give him a chance to spend time with them. Avery said it might help the custody case. Show he has family and roots here versus Texas.”
“That makes sense, but is he ready for your parents?”
I chuckled. “I’mnot ready for my parents, and I grew up with them.”
Jake clasped my shoulder. “Good luck.”
“That’s all you’ve got?”
He smiled. “That, and keep your temper in check. It’s not about you. It’s about Corey having a relationship with his grandparents, for better or worse.”
I shook my head. “When did you get good with the advice?”
Jake shook his head. “I’m only good with other people’s problems.”
I felt guilty for not telling him about Hailey, but next to the custody issue, and seeing my parents tonight, I couldn’t think about anything else. Hailey and Jake would have to wait. I just hoped it wouldn’t be too late.
Driving over to my parents’, I tried to prepare Corey. “My parents have high expectations. I don’t want you to feel out of place, or—”Everything I’d felt growing up.
Fuck. Why was I doing this to myself? To Corey?
