CORMAC: No, I’m just warning you while working out how to explain, although it’s not really complicated.
CORMAC: My dad died three years ago. The ranch wasn’t doing well because he refused to listen to Connor or myself when it came to new ideas. When he passed, we inherited the ranch 50/50 with all its problems, and part of me is still angry at Dad for being so stubborn and saddling us with such a mess. Then I feel guilty for feeling mad.
DAVIE: Understandable. Those are valid feelings.
CORMAC: Thanks, sweetheart.
CORMAC: Anyway, it’s an emotional few days of grief, anger, and shame, and it’s fueled by alcohol. *This is the not so pretty part: I wallow and drink. Get drunk off my ass. I’m guessing it was then when your sister approached me, or maybe I approached her, I don’t know. But that’s why I don’t remember her or anything about that night.
DAVIE: It’s hard for me to imagine you that way. I know we don’t know each other well, but I’ve met Jessica’s ex-boyfriends who loved getting drunk. Our mom had a few thrown in there, too, so you learn to recognize the type. Just from our brief interactions, you don’t really seem like the kind of guy who enjoys getting blackout drunk.
CORMAC: I wouldn’t say I enjoy it… But it does the job of dulling the pain of Dad’s absence and what that dredges up. The anniversary of his death is the one free pass I give myself. Otherwise, you’re right, and I don’t lose control like that.
DAVIE: Good to know.
CORMAC: Do you regret coming to find me now?
DAVIE: No. You’re Jesse’s dad, and you deserve to know each other. Besides, I’m not sure what’s worse: you not remembering a one-night stand with my sister, or recalling the night and pining after Jessica.
CORMAC: Definitely no pining happening here.
CORMAC: At least, not for her…
DAVIE: *Picture of Jesse laughing* Thought you might want another snapshot of him!
CORMAC: Always!
CORMAC: *Shares picture of baby room with Connor, Deacon, and Briggs smiling in the background* His room is almost done. I can’t wait for the two of you to get here.
DAVIE: I can’t believe we’re actually moving to High Ridge.
CORMAC: You’re not thinking about changing your mind, are you?
DAVIE: Depends on what my room looks like… JK! Everything is moving fast, but it’s fine. We’re fine.
CORMAC: I can practically hear your anxious thoughts from here. Do we need to have another phone call where I remind you of all the reasons this will be good for you and Jesse?
DAVIE: *Nooo GIF* I’m on board. Trust me. I just wish we were past the transitional stage and settled. I’ll feel better once life gets back to normal.
CORMAC: Don’t worry, we’ll get there. Until then, I’m here for whatever you need.
DAVIE: Thanks, I appreciate that.
DAVIE: Who’s that guy with your brother and Deacon? He’s the one from the hardware store who told me where to find you.
CORMAC: Yeah, he mentioned that you two might have met. That’s Briggs, another one of my good friends. We’ve known each other since high school.
DAVIE: Oh, wow! What are the chances he’d be the one to lead me to you?
CORMAC: Small towns, baby. Small fucking towns.
12
DAVIE
“The court sent your paternity test results, Mr. Madsen. It appears that you are Jesse Overland’s biological father. Congratulations,” my lawyer says through the speakerphone. The three of us are conferenced together on one line, since Cormac had to return to Washington after having his cheek swab at the lab.
While I haven’t seen him in person the past few weeks, he’s made sure to video call and text each day to check on me and Jesse.
