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Summer gasps as her gaze shoots to mine. They obviously haven’t discussed what happened. And while I have to fight to keep it together, she’s okay. Because of Dylan.
“You were there, Dylan. She’s okay.”
“But what if I wasn’t? What happens when the season starts or when our little guy comes along and I don’t have as much free time. It’s justyou,Lucy. You’re on your own.”
I can’t help but laugh as I realize why all this is getting to him. He’s worried about both of us. His family. It’s a fear he’s always had since our father died when we were young. He’d always been concerned that if he went pro with the NFL he wouldn’t be around when we needed him. Like our pro footballer father. But he shouldn’t be worried.
“Dylan, I’ve been doing this by myself for years while you’ve been in Denver. Well, not entirely alone because I’ve had our found family. But I get by. It’ll be okay. Thank you for being there today though. And for jumping in.”
Dylan shakes his head. “It’s not okay yet, Luce. She says she’s fine; you know because she’s your daughter and that’s what you do. But she wouldn’t get back in the pool.”
My face scrunches because I was afraid of that, and also, he’s not wrong. I’m acting that way right now when in reality my heart hasn’t stopped thumping since he first told me what happened. But if I make a big deal around Katie, it will become bigger in her mind. And if I make a big deal around Dylan, he’ll feel worse. I’ll have to take her again soon so it doesn’t remain a fear. But for now, I’m just happy Dylan was there.
“We’ll get her back in. You did good, baby bro.”
Dylan huffs out a laugh as he burrows into Summer’s shoulder, and the look she gives me eases my mind. She’s got him. He’ll be okay.
A short time later, when Dylan takes out the trash, Summer approaches me in the kitchen. “Dylan struggled a lot in Denver, being away from you and Katie. I never wanted to tell you because there wasn’t really anything we could do about it, but you know what he’s like…he loves to hold on to guilt. And now he’s nervous about becoming a dad himself. Keep an eye on Katie, but don’t worry about Dylan. We’ve been through this before; we’ll get through it again.”
My heart breaks for my little bro, and like always, I thank the world for being so lucky to have him.
“Maybe he should talk to someone. I’m sure Joel can offer recommendations.”
“He is. He’ll get there,” she says and I think she’s finished until her soft smile turns wicked. “You know…if he knew you had Wes, he’d probably feel better.”
I scoff, because I’ve given her no details on anything Wes related except that I work with him. Also… “That’s a bit sexist.”
“I’m kidding, Luce. I was trying to see if there was a…you and Wes. You tell me nothing these days. But I’ve noted that you didn’t deny it.”
I huff out a laugh. “I’ll tell you when there’s something to say.”
Summer nods with a smile. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”
I’m late to the office Monday morning because Katie refused to go to my mom’s. Not that I blame her; it’s been a huge adjustment for her. She’s gone from spending almost all her time with me to only seeing me morning and night. And the guilt of that is doing a number on me. Add to that, yesterday’s pool incident… If I’m being honest, I didn’t really want to leave her today either.
It’s just one of those days, and hopefully once she starts preschool she’ll feel better.Hopefully. At the very least, she won’t notice I’m gone as much.
I’m tired and emotional when I finally walk through the glass doors from the parking lot. The image of Katie’s crying face is etched into my mind, and it’s a struggle not to let my own tears fall. I want to turn around, get back in my car, and pick her up. To spend the day at the zoo or museum. To draw, paint, or sing. Anything she wants. But I signed up for this. I need to be here.
Aaron’s walking out of his doorway as I pass, but I barely acknowledge him. I just want to fall in a heap at my desk until my first appointment arrives. But no such luck.
“Everything okay?” he asks, and I know he’s thinking about Friday night.
“Everything’s fine, just the typical Monday morning exhaustion.”
He laughs, seemingly believing me. “I’m with you there. Listen, I don’t want to bring this up,” he says, taking a step toward me. “But I saw you and Wes walking to your car Saturday night when I came back to get some paperwork.”
I frown, unsure where this is going because that particular interaction was innocent.
“You know there’s a nonfraternization policy, right?”
What?!
“I never read that,” I say and then grimace. That was not what should have come out of my mouth. “Not that it matters because I have no plans to have a relationship with anyone here. Especially Wes.”
“I know, I know. Your daughter is more important. I just thought I’d tell you.”
“Thanks.”I think. “I appreciate it. Although you might want to tell HR to add it to their contracts because I just signed one and it wasn’t there.”
