I’m guessing Caroline’s is and that’s the reason for the question. “Not at all. We co-parent the kids and are way better off this way.”
“Okay, then as long as all parties are on board, you shouldn’t have any issues.”
Standing, I glance at my watch. I still have a few minutes for my break and I want to check in on the kids. “Thanks for answering my questions. I’m at a total loss most days.”
“I think that’s a lot of parents. I’m definitely learning a lot each day.”
“Parenthood is a rollercoaster, that’s for sure.” I move toward the door. “But thank you. It means a lot.”
I open the door only to find Eric outside. “You haven’t told your son, yet?”
Shit. This wasn’t how I wanted him to find out. I was actually hoping he wouldn’t since it’s happening tomorrow.
“No, I’m doing it tomorrow and wanted to get some insight.” Please let him understand my predicament.
“But you said you were going to talk to him about it earlier this week.” I don’t miss the hurt that crosses his face, and hate even more I’m the one who put it there. “Is it because you don’t think things will work out?”
“Not at all.” I glance past him to see if anyone is heading this direction. It’s not exactly a conversation I want to have in front of a ton of people. “I was working out how to do it.”
“It’s not that hard, Joan. You talk to him.”
“It’s not that simple.” I throw my hands in the air. “I didn’t receive a manual when my kids were born telling me how to approach situations, much less introducing a boyfriend to older children. This is uncharted territory, and I’m trying to find the best way to navigate it.”
“I can be there when you talk to him.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Maybe that will make it easier.”
“That’s probably not a good idea.” His eyebrows furrow and I know I’ve hit a nerve. He wants to be involved, and I’m telling him he can’t be. Not with this.
“Okay.” He doesn’t say another word and goes back in the direction of the bar. It's at this moment I realize how much the age difference can be a problem. He didn’t stay to talk anything else out. Just walked away. Maybe he only needs time to digest what I told him, or he didn’t want to say anything out of frustration.
That’s the way I’m going to take it. All I know is the rest of the evening is going to be tense.
My feet drag as I make my way to the coffee pot. Eric walked me to my car last night, but didn’t say much. I can’t help but feel like he’s pulling away. Both of us could have handled the conversation better last night.
“Coffee doesn’t go very well with pizza.” My dad eyes me from the kitchen table and points to the boxes in front of him.
“Where’s Keith?” I spent the morning getting ready for next week and didn’t even hear him come in.
“In the backyard with the kids.” He sets his water down. “I don't’ know how he’s going to throw the ball to both of them considering they play completely different sports.”
“I’m sure he’s managing.” I pour the leftover coffee from the pot into a cup. Not even bothering with sugar or creamer, I take a sip. Why do people drink it this way? It’s not horrible, but it’s also not good.
“You ready to do this?”
“Not really, but I might as well get it over with.” After last night, it may not even matter. But I need to be honest with the kids. They deserve that much.
Dad gets up from the table to get the kids and I grab some plates from the cabinet. I take a deep breath with each one I get out. I kept waiting for Eric to text me some sort of positive text for today, but he never did. I guess I’m on my own.
Everyone comes in from the backyard and we all take our seats around the table. The kids are the first to dig into the pizza boxes, piling their plates high. I’ll never understand how the two of them can eat so much.
Once everyone’s plates are full, Keith glances over at me and nods. Taking one last deep breath, I do what I know I’ve needed to for the past few weeks. “Isaac, Abby. There’s something I need to tell you.”
Abby gives me an encouraging nod. I think she knew what we had planned as soon as she found out we were having a day together. Isaac watches me, waiting to see what I have to say.
Before I lose my nerve, I blurt it all out. “I’m seeing someone. I have been for a few weeks, but you both need to know. There are times when you’re at your dad’s, I won’t be home. I need to know you’re okay with it.”
“Why wouldn’t we be?” I expected the question to come from Abby, but it’s Isaac who asks the question.
“I don’t know. I know our divorce wasn’t easy on you and I didn’t want to say anything until I knew something would come out of it.”
