AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Dad’s wrinkly cheeks fall. “I’m just sorry it took as long as it did to get my head straight. By the time that happened…” He looks at me, at Tyler. “Damage done.”
The boat rocks along the quiet river. Tyler and I hang in a holding pattern until Dad says his piece.
“Now, Tyler. Here’s the good news for you. I see shades of Grandma in Dani. She’s got her head on straight, even if she is young. When she speaks, you need to listen. If I were you, I’d run back to her so fast it’ll make her head spin. Make your apologies and promise you’ll do everything she says until these troubles are ironed out. You do that, and she’ll beyourrock, too. And then, when you need to be heard, she’ll listen to you, too.” Dad sits back. “Got it?”
Tyler nods slowly. Not much of a response, but given his history, it’s significant.
“Oh, and while you’re at it, marry the girl, alright? That’s the way to do the whole forever thing.”
Tyler actually chuckles. “Got it, Grandpa.”
“Now, John.” I’m next under Dad’s microscope. “I’m sorry I messed up like I did, but most of all, I’m sorry you didn’t have what I had.” His gaze flicks to Tyler, I think censoring the direction of his thoughts. He sighs. “I may be jumping the gun here, but what I do know is that this Hollie lady is the first name I’ve heard since the divorce. There may have been others. I don’t need to know—but you sure haven’t thought enough of any of them to bring them around your family. So. Here’s what I’m saying. If this Hollie is anything at all like your mother, run, don’t walk, and make her a forever part of your life.”
With the sun setting against our backs, I lead the trio of Chavez men up the trail from the river. My step glitches when I spy Jacob rounding the corner of the house. He’s wearing a letterman’s jacket, and his hands are jammed into its pockets. I pick up my pace.
“Hey there, kiddo. What’s up?”Is your mom alright?
His top teeth dig into his lip as his eyes sweep the pair bringing up the rear. “I was hoping we could talk, but—I’m sorry. This isn’t a good time.” He makes to leave.
“Wait. I got time.” I turn to my entourage. “Catch up with you guys inside?”
“Sure thing.” Dad slaps Tyler’s back, and they go inside. I motion to the patio where Jacob and I talked once before. “What’s on your mind?” I ask once we’re settled. From the firm set of his jaw, I can’t tell which way the conversation will go.
He folds his hands between his knees, staring at the ground. At last, he looks me square in the eye. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted with you. I’ve been a jerk.”
Yes, yes he was—takes one to know one, right? Truthfully, though, I might not have responded well regardless of his behavior. I’m a little rough around the edges sometimes myself. “Did your mom tell you to come apologize?”
“No!” His eyes roll, while his tone remains sincere. “This is my thing.”
“I see. Well, it’s a good move. I appreciate it, and, for the record, I know I wasn’t always a ray of sunshine. I’m sorry about that myself.”
He shakes his head. “No, I deserved it. You were only trying to help.” He exhales a long breath. “I’m sorry for a lot of stuff lately.”
I hate the heaviness that weights the remark. He’s too young.
I consider what I want to say. “Jacob, I can only imagine what you’re dealing with right now. You’ve got a full plate.” Gaze vacant, he nods during my pause. “I doubt your mom has shared with you, but I have a pretty stinky load of garbage in my past, as well. In my case, a lot was self-inflicted. Sent me into a tailspin that I think I’m only now pulling out of.”
He tries to read me. I’d be happy to tell him more if I thought it would help, but this probably isn’t the moment. “Look, it’s tough for us guys to talk about stuff, but sometimes we need to, and counseling is a legitimate resource.”
My heartbeat eases when he nods. “I have my first appointment next week. It’s at a counseling center our church helps sponsor.”
“Good.” I slap his back. “That’s a start. And…” Oh, I’m barely in the starting gate for this next one. “Hang onto your faith. Build it. Nurture it. Don’t walk away from it.”
He almost smiles. “I won’t. Thanks.”
We share a quiet moment of camaraderie. I’ve assumed we’ve mostly been talking about his biological father, but my thoughts veer another direction. “Look, I don’t mean to stick my nose into your business…”
Another good-natured roll of the eyes.
“How is Reagan?” Like of all the rest of it, her situation has lingered in my mind.
His features strain. “We’ve texted some. I—I told her I’d pray for her—but that’s the best I can do right now.”
“Well, she wasn’t honest with you.” I get it. “But don’t—”
He dashes his head. “This whole thing has been bizarre. I don’t know if I even understand what all happened. You know, with the guy who got shot and stuff?”
So he doesn’t want to go deeper on the issue with the girl. That’s fine, too.
