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“For the last time, your apologies mean nothing to me, Lacey. They’re not needed. You were doing what you needed to for his sake. I’m not mad.”
She sighs. “You sure?”
“Yes. I’m sorry for Jacob, who doesn’t have the father he deserves. One I can tell he wants.”
“He does. I’m having a hard time with it. I don’t want you to feel obligated in any way to take him to that baseball game. I’m not going to try and make you a fill-in father figure or anything like that, I swear.”
She doesn’t understand how much I still love her. Jacob is a part of her life. What she loves, I love. I see there’s going to be work there making her understand that I want both of them, fill-in or not.
“Lacey baby, anything you need or he needs, I want to be here for.” I want to say I love you so bad, but I don’t think it’s the time for that. We’re dealing with enough as there is. “Besides, you made a promise to a six-year-old. I don’t believe you want to be on that shit list. I know.”
She laughs, and I hold the phone closer to my ear, loving the sound.
“You don’t have to tell me about that list. I’ve been on it.”
“Good. When are we going to see each other again? I’m sitting here talking to you, and I miss you.”
“I know. Me, too. Last night wasn’t enough.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I feel exactly the same way. Maybe I could sneak out tonight and see you?”
“Why would you need to sneak out? Where are you going to be?”
Ah, damn. “Ah, somehow Jackson talked me in to spending the night and having dinner and a movie with Bree and him.” More like guilted me.
“Oh...okay.”
I note the hesitance in her voice. “Lace, I couldn’t say no to him. You should have seen the look on his face.”
“I understand he wants to see his mom and dad together. She is your wife. And I’m—”
“With me. Last night meant everything to me. Bree and I are over. I don’t love her. I mean, I do, but I don’t, not in that way.” God, I’m an idiot. “I should shut up now. I’m not making things better, am I?”
“Well if you feel you must, you should.” She chuckles. I know I haven’t messed up too bad.
“We’re just trying to make this an easier transition for Jackson before we finalize things.”
“I know. We have to make sure the kids are okay with this first. I get it. How about Monday, on my lunch break, me and you?”
“Two whole days? Torture! I’m beyond disappointed, but I’ll take it.” I sigh dramatically.
“I know, but I have a pie guaranteed to make it up to you.”
“You should have said that first.” I chide. “When in doubt—”
“Pie!” She finishes for me, and we both laugh.
After hanging up, I drive over to The Office to open. My phone rings. It’s Trigg.
“What’s up?” I slam my truck door shut, walking to the bar door.
“I’m up at this hour on my day to sleep in. That’s what’s up.”
“Whose fault is that?”
“The new-age, free-range chick I brought home last night. She has me drinking freshly squeezed orange juice. I had to watch her squeeze. Not a fucking drop of alcohol. I hate sober fucking orange juice.”
“Why did you bring her back to your place? Not like you.”
