Cry For You_A Second Chance Romance

by Shaniel Watson

  “Thanks, I can always count on you to knock a year off my life.” I shake my head.

  “No prob.”

  Prob. The last time she took him to work with her, she thought it would be funny to let her co-worker, a talented tattoo artist, give Jacob a very realistic temporary tattoo. I was livid, while she and her little co-conspirator, who’s supposed to be my loving son, laughed their heads off. I guess it was sort of funny, after I found out it was fake.

  If Landon was there, he would have laughed his head off too. His sense of humor was always better than mine. I sigh, closing the drawer.

  “What’s up?”

  “Bree fell off a chair yesterday.”

  “Bummer for her. I’m not the biggest fan of blondes, you know, but bummer.”

  “She broke her ankle and sprained her wrist. She’s getting a cast for her leg. They’re at the hospital now. She needs help getting around for the next week or two, until she’s able to use crutches.”

  “I see.”

  “When he’s not with her, he’ll be at work. We won’t be seeing much of each other.”

  “You’re worried. He’s going to be spending all his time with her. Things may spark between them again.”

  I swallow, sitting down on Jacob’s bed. “I know how you feel. You didn’t have to say anything.” Silence reigned. I wasn’t surprised. “You think him moving back home full-time is bad.”

  “You don’t know what I’m thinking. He said he loves you, believe him,” she says, surprising me. “Don’t spend your time thinking about him helping her out. Now you know—if you ever break your leg, he’ll be there.”

  “At least.” I smile at her attempted humor. “Anyway, could you please call first if you’re going to bring him back early the next morning?” I cringe, remembering my mom and him seeing us half-dressed the morning after our date.

  “Of course. Wouldn’t want to put a monkey wrench in you and Landon getting your love freak on.”

  “You have a way with words.”

  “I know; it’s a gift.”

  Like a sledgehammer to the head.

  We spent all day at the hospital getting X-rays and then finally getting her fitted for a cast. It’s been an exhausting day for Bree and Jackson. He was worried about his mom. She woke up in excruciating pain. He saw her crying, and I knew this was more than a simple sprain, no matter what Bree was trying to convince me of because she didn’t want to go to the hospital.

  After her X-ray, the doctor confirmed what I already knew: she broke her ankle and sprained her wrist. Crutches are useless to her. For two weeks, hopefully less, I’ll have to be her crutches. When I told Lacey, I heard the reservation in her voice over the phone. I tried to reassure her it was going to be nothing more than me helping her get around, the usual routine of me picking up Jackson from school when she couldn’t, and running errands she can’t. I don’t know how well it worked to put her mind at ease.

  Once I changed the subject to our weekend alone, counting down the days, it seemed to put her in a better mood. I love knowing she’s as anxious as I am to spend some alone time together. We haven’t spent enough time with just the two of us. I love spending time with the kids when we are together, but we haven’t truly been alone since our first date.

  I miss feeling that skin-to-skin connection, letting her know exactly how much she means to me, no words needed. As much as I love it, a quickie in the next room when the kids are preoccupied isn’t going to do it. We’re going to need time to connect after these two weeks apart. I’m going to try to let her know, as much as possible, that she and Jacob are as much a priority in my life as Jackson and Bree are. It would be great if Bree’s wrist had a miraculous two-day recovery. I know—wishful thinking on my part.

  Landon: Lacey baby, I miss you.

  I send her a text at the bar before I go home to make Bree lunch and help her move around, then pick up Jackson from school. We’re short-staffed this week, and I’m so busy it feels like I’ve hardly spoken to Lace, and it’s only the third day in.

  Lacey: Hey, it’s busy in here today. I can’t talk. I miss you too.

  Landon: Can’t wait for Saturday. Us. Love you.

  Lacey: Can’t wait either. Love you.

  After dropping Jackson off after school with Bree to help her while I’m gone, I go back to the bar for a few hours, then back home to cook dinner. Three days of this hasn’t been bad. We’ve settled into a routine of sorts. Jackson seems happier than I’ve seen him in a while. He helps his mother out with little things, like picking up after himself and vacuuming.

  He’s even helped me cook dinner every night while Bree watches from the kitchen table, cracking jokes at us while we put a show on for her. To pass the time after dinner we’ve taken up playing board games—Jackson’s suggestion. My kid has a lot of great ideas. He has planned out our after-dinner activity for every night of the week. All good, but one thing was missing—Lace.

  “Thanks for helping out, Landon. I know you don’t want to be here with me. You’re putting on a good show for Jackson,” Bree says, while I help her settle back on the couch, where we’re about to watch a movie.

  “Of course I’m going to help you. What kind of a dick do you take me for?” I smile and she laughs. “I’m not just putting on a good show for our kid. It’s been nice spending time with you and him. It makes him happy to see us getting along.” I look at him getting drinks out the fridge to go with our popcorn.

  “Yeah, he’s happy because his parents are happy. And together, without all the tension that’s been around us for months. It reminds him of the way things used to be I guess.”

  She touches my hand in that familiar way looking up at me expectantly. I’m not sure if I should say something or leave it alone. “Bree—”

  “Don’t worry, I know you’re all into Lacey.”

  “I am.”

  “Here you are, suffering with me as my nurse mate, shlepping me around back and forth to the bathroom, doing all the housework and mundane errands, without the incentive of sex. A husband’s worst nightmare,” she chuckles, shaking her head, hair flying.

  We both break out into laughter. Not one to miss the action, Jackson jumps on the couch between us, smiling. “What’s so funny?”

  My phone rings, and I answer right away, seeing it’s Lacey. “Hey, you.”

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Bree was making a joke about being married.”

  “Tell me what’s so funny!” Jackson says laughing as Bree tickles him mercilessly

  “You’ll understand when you get older and have a wife of your own,” she tells him.

  “Sounds like you guys are having a hell of a good time.”

  Hearing a change in her voice, I move away from the couch. “Jackson wants us to watch a movie with him before bed,” I say, hoping she understands this is for Jackson’s benefit. “I miss you. How was your day?”

  “It was fine. I should let you go back to Bree and Jackson. I know it’s bedtime soon, so…”

  “I have enough time to talk to you, Lacey, to find out how you’re doing.”

  “Dad, come on. The movie’s starting. We have to watch it before bedtime, and you help Mom read my story.”

  God, we need to work on that kid’s timing.

  “Like I said, I should let you get back to family time.”

  I sigh. “Lace, this isn’t family time; I’m just helping her out.”

  “Sure,” she says, not convincing me she does at all.

  “Dad!”

  “Land, get over here before your son jumps out of his skin. Grab the drinks on your way back.”

  I shut my eyes at their shouting. “I love you, Lace.”

  “I know. Good night.” She hangs up without hesitation.

  Dammit. I stare at my phone.

  Mom?”

  “Yes, sweetheart.”

  “When’s Landon coming over?”

  “Remember I told you Jackson’s mom hurt her leg? He has to t
ake care of her and Jackson until she’s better.”

  “Yes but how long is that going to take? It feels like forever.”

  I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Last night, hearing him with Bree and Jackson, laughing like a happy family, didn’t sit well with me. It felt more like maybe he would realize keeping his beautiful wife and family together was worth more than rekindling what we had.

  Which man wouldn’t choose that over all my excessive baggage, right?

  “I like it better when Jackson comes over with him. He doesn’t really play with me anymore.”

  He puts on his PJs and sits in front of me while I dry his hair. “Why? I thought you and Jackson were playing together again.”

  “He spends most of his time playing with Ryan.”

  I put down the towel, pulling him on my lap for a hug. “Don’t worry about it. I think Jackson is going through a lot with his mom not feeling well. Like I said before, friends need time to play with other friends. You and Jackson will be the best of friends again in a week or so.”

  “Okay,” he shrugs, unconvincingly, voice low.

  I hope it will be okay. I have a sinking feeling Jackson is pulling away because of me and Landon being together. The way he acted towards me at the sleepover was telling. I think Landon sees it, but he’s choosing to ignore it, hoping he’ll warm to him being with me instead of his mother.

  Maybe my mom is right. We’re moving too fast for them. I don’t want her to be, though.

  I kiss him on the forehead. I pull his covers back, and he jumps in. “Goodnight, Mommy.”

  „Goodnight, baby. Love you so much.”

  “Mom,” he says, “I’m not a baby.”

  I smile stroking his hair. “I know, I know.” I turn on his night light. There’s a knock on the door, surprising me. “You stay in bed. I’ll get that.”

  I walk to the door and ask in my strongest authoritative voice, “Who is it?”

  “Hopefully the man of your dreams.”

  My face splits with a broad smile, obliterating my pensive mood. “I’m not confirming or denying that.” I open the door wide, and Landon wraps his arm around me. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to say hi.” He kisses my neck, then kisses me senseless for anyone to see, door wide open. I melt against him.

  “Do you want to come in?” I ask once I catch my breath.

  “I would love to. But I gotta get back to the bar. It’s packed, and we’re short-staffed. I snuck away for a few minutes to say hi to my favorite woman.”

  “Landon, you came back!” Jacob yells, running up to us, excited.

  Landon lets me out of his embrace and bends down smiling at Jacob. “Of course I did.” He hugs him. “I came to say hi to you and your mom before I go back to work. I missed both of you.”

  I love the way he includes him. He never makes him feel like he’s in the way, or he only comes around to see me.

  “You’re not staying?” He frowns.

  “Sorry, buddy, I can’t.”

  I brush my hands through my baby’s hair, seeing how sad he is. “Landon can’t stay, but isn’t it nice of him to come all this way just to say hello to us?”

  He nods his head, looking down.

  “Hey, buddy, I’m seeing your mom this weekend. But how about me and you spend next Saturday together? I’ll come over and get you, and we can go anywhere you want.”

  My little boys face lights up. “Really, just me and you? What about Jackson, won’t he want to come?”

  “I think he’ll understand if I spend a few hours with you. I’ll explain it to him, and he won’t be upset.”

  He throws his arm around his neck. Landon holds him still so he doesn’t get knocked over. My heart’s spilling over with love for his kindness. I mouth, “Thank you,” to him. “All right, back into your bed.”

  “All right, Mommy. Night, Landon.” He turns running to his room.

  “I love that kid as much as I love his mother.” He plants his lips on mine, holding my face between his hands.

  When we’re together, it’s perfect—All doubt erased from my mind.

  The good feelings don’t last nearly as long as I would like. Change of plans for Saturday. Seems we don’t have an entire day of us at all.

  “So what time do you think you’ll be here?” I kick my heels off, lying back on the couch.

  “I’m not sure. I didn’t think her appointment would take this long. Hopefully, we’ll see her doctor soon. Maybe we’ll get good news that her wrist will be well enough for her to get crutches.”

  “That would be great news.” Maybe then I won’t feel this way, like I’m pulling him away from his real family.

  “Lace, I’m sorry. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “Landon, I need to go to the bathroom before they call us,” Bree says in the background.

  “You should go help her out. Call me when you’re done; I’ll be here waiting.”

  “Lace, I’m sorry this is taking up the day we planned. I’ll make it up to you, promise.”

  "Mrs. Jessup,” a voice calls in the background. “I need these papers filled out before you go in to see the doctor.”

  “My husband will fill those out. My wrist is out of service.”

  “I’ll do those and have them back to you right after I help her to the bathroom,” Landon says.

  Ouch. Her husband. Didn’t need the verbal reminder on what I already know in the back of my mind. “You’re busy; I should let you go take care of Bree.”

  “I’ll see you,” he says, sounding distracted by his wife and things a husband does for his wife.

  “All right.”

  The day of us has become a day of him and his wife.

  No Jacob, no mom, no Shay. Hours later, the sun begins to set. It’s me and my thoughts alone in a quiet house filled with deafening silence. So much so, I turn on the television and most of the lights in the house, and check the lock once more as the sun goes down. In a past life, this was my worst nightmare. Being alone, vulnerable to every noise and squeak. Too much silence, a wide open space for my thoughts to ping around in my mind. Thoughts of the past I wish I could forget, desperately wishing they never happened.

  I’ve overcome so much, yet at the heart of it, I know I’m still so vulnerable to the hurt and pain. My insecurities lay inside me, waiting to seep out, telling me I’m not worth it. Why would he choose me over everything he has? The simplicity of a life without facing the ugly truth, the reality of our ugly past. I’m the woman he ran away from, who he left behind because he couldn’t stand looking at me and what I had become.

  You weren’t worth sticking around for then, why would you be now?

  “Stop it.” I shut my eyes at the ugly thoughts, lurching forward in the middle of the couch. “You are worth it. You deserve to be loved,” I tell myself.

  He said he loves me. He’s not leaving. I have to believe he wouldn’t do that to me again. That’s what I’m choosing to believe at this minute. God, a tear slips, and I wipe it away, getting to my feet. I strip off my clothes, stepping into the shower, clearing away the thoughts and fears threatening to bring me under, twisting my heart inside out.

  It’s been hours since I last heard from Landon. But I believe he will be here. He promised. And I have to believe in myself, that I’m worthy of his love.

  This was not the day I planned. The day I had planned was an entire day with my girl. Loving on her, showing her how much I can’t get enough of her, how special I think she is. Instead, I was in a hospital with Bree. Then as soon as we get back to the house, Jackson throws up. Leave it to a kid to get sick as soon as you get home after spending an entire day in the hospital.

  I’m trying to do everything that I can to take care of Bree and Jackson, getting them comfortable and settled, so I can get out of here. I’m fucked. I haven’t spoken to Lacey in hours. Between trying to make soup for dinner for Jackson, which I found out I suck at, cleaning up two rounds of throw-up, w
ashing his sheets from the throw-up, running to the pharmacy to get something for his stomach, which is probably a twenty-four hour bug that’s been going around, my day has been hectic.

  She probably thinks I bailed on her, but I swear to God I’m going to make it over there to spend as much time with her as I can. I’m praying that I might even be able to spend the night.

  I look down at Jackson, sleeping soundly next to Bree in her bed. I put my hand on his forehead. Good, he’s not warm. “Bree, I’m getting ready to leave.”

  “Where? He’s sick. What if I need something downstairs? You know I can’t move around well. The doctor said it’ll be a couple more days until I can put pressure on my wrist. What if he throws up again?” She looks alarmed.

  “Bree,” I sigh. “I think you’ll be fine for a few hours. I’ll put everything he’ll need on the nightstand. I’ll even put a bucket by the bed in quick reaching distance.”

  “That’s all good, but he’s been clinging to you since he’s been sick. What if he needs you when he wakes up? You know how he is when he’s sick. I can’t stand it, to see him so uncomfortable.” She strokes the side of his face.

  “I know. I hate it when he’s sick. If he gets worse, call me. If he wakes up and asks for me, I’ll pick up and speak to him, okay?”

  “I guess that will have to do. You’re going to see her aren’t you? That’s why you can’t stay to help me with a broken leg and a sick child. More fun than this, right?”

  I feel like pulling out my hair. I’ve been running back and forth all week to take care of her and Jackson, while running the bar short-staffed. What the hell more does she want me to do? I’m not checking out and leaving her in the lurch. She knows I’ll be back over here in a hot minute if Jackson or she really needs me. “I don’t need a bullshit fucking guilt trip. You know I’ll be back if he needs me. I can be here in under thirty minutes, if need be. I’m not leaving the damn state; I’m a phone call away.”