The bed makes a familiar creaking sound as he continues. “Not sure I can form coherent thoughts, but I’ll try.”
“You’re tired. We can talk tomorrow if you want.”
“No, I’m fine. Just a little buzzed on your peach spray.”
“You sprayed it?”
“Of course not. I’m in your bed reading your book, but I’m not a creeper.” I can’t hold back a giggle. “All right … my family owns some residential properties and a few commercial ones. They also own a property management company that oversees everything. There’s the real estate and legal aspects, accounting, budgets, human resources, payroll, maintenance, security. Lots of moving parts.”
“So you’re working outside of maintenance now?” I ask.
“I always have, but right now I’m shadowing each division to learn day-to-day operations. Technically, the company was turned over to me when Dad passed away, but it was running well with good people in place. My mom does a lot, but she’s ready to step back. She wants me to take over and let her be less involved. For now, her husband’s running the commercial division, and I have the residential plus maintenance.”
“Jude … that sounds like so much pressure.Are you okay?” How could I allow him to handle all my insignificant little problems while he deals with so much himself? Have I ever even asked about his work or his family? I can name so many times he came through for me. But have I ever seen him look worn down or upset? Was I so self-absorbed that I wouldn’t even notice?
“Yeah, Lu, I’m fine. I’ve got to get my broker’s license, but other than that, I grew up around this. It’s a lot, but I know thebusiness. Most areas are headed by family or people I’ve known since I was a kid. It’s not as big as it sounds.”
“Is this the career you want? Do you like it?”
“It’s challenging. I can do something different every day. I think I’ll like it more once I’m confident I know all my responsibilities, but it feels good to pick up where my dad left off. I’ll do some things differently, but I think I’m good at it.”
“I don’t doubt that. As long as you’re happy. You’re too talented to be tied down to something you don’t love.”
“It’ll be good. It’s just a tough transition.” He yawns, and it makes me do the same.
“I should’ve noticed how much you were working and not depended on you so much. You should get some sleep.” I should’ve been more aware the last few months.
“No, don’t you do that. Listen to me, Punk.”
“I’m listening.”
“The last three years were hard. Dad had been sick for a while, and the pressure for me to graduate and get licensed was intense. They were counting on me, but he passed away before I finished my bachelor’s … which turned out fine. I went back to a bad relationship because it was familiar, then Mom remarried fast, and we like Rob, but my sister and Kami and my little brother all had to accept a new man in the house eighteen months after we lost Dad.”
“Have things gotten better?” I knew about some of it, but he’s always so calm and never seems stressed out.
“It’s still hard but not as overwhelming.”
“Did the breakup help?” I ask, remembering what Sammy said about his ex.
“Yeah, but breakups are still hard even when they’re necessary.”
“True.”
“Lu, you think I do a lot for you, but you do more for me than you think. I had to deal with a roof leak on Monday; did I mention that?”
“No, you dirty hippie. You never tell me things like that. You hardly ever complain.”
“I didn’t get around to it because I came by to take you to work, and you did the thing where you hold me still and steal my soul…”
I chuckle at that. “I don’tsteal your soul. It’s emotional regulation. I’m borrowing some of your … calmness or peace or something. I don’t know. But it works.”
Truthfully, I’d drink his serotonin like a vampire, but that sounds a bit dramatic. And creepy.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve been stealing my soul, but I’m not complaining. It works for me too. We took a ride and sang in the car, which is good formyemotional strangulation. Then I was ready to handle anything.”
I snort. “Regulation, you doof.”
“Whatever.” I can hear his grin. “I spend my time exactly how I want. A few minutes with you never ruined my day.”
