I decide to jump right in, since the suspense is killing me.
“What’s up, Pop?” I’m not above pushing the conversation a bit. It works, though, because he starts with his signature phrase. It’s a military thing. Dad spent a few years in the Army before he married Mom.
“Let’s get down to brass tacks. Your mom and I have been discussing what we want to do now that I’m retired. We’ve decided to travel for a few months. We’re going to do a four-week tour of Western Europe. All the countries.”
“Wow, that’s terrific! I’m glad you guys are going to do something fun. When are you going?” Good for them. My parents have worked hard all their lives, and I love this for them. “Do you guys need anything from me? I can check on the house while you’re gone.”
My dad opens his mouth, then shuts it abruptly as if I’ve said something baffling. He glances at my mom before answering.
“Uh, yes, it would be helpful if you did that every once in a while, but other than that, we’re fine. What about you, son? We’re leaving in a week. Will that be enough time to get your stuff sorted?” Again with the quizzical look.
My stuff? What was he talking about? How did I have anything to do with this? Now I’m confused.
“What stuff? Not sure what you mean, Pop.” I can see his annoyance as he shakes his head at me. What am I missing here? His heavy sigh fills the silence.
“Liam, with your mom gone, what are you going to do about all the things she handles for you? Cleaning your apartment, cooking your meals... handling your finances? I love you, son, but isn’t it past time for you become a responsible adult? Your Mom’s getting to the point where she just physically can’t do all this work anymore. You have to see that. Right?”
Now he’s looking a bit pissed, and I’m still lost.
“Why can’t we keep using the same services as before? I know mom always checks their work but maybe we can just forgo that for now. They know what to do by now, don’t they?”
The look Dad gives me reminds me of my teenage years, and not in a good way. I’m sure he’d say “what the hell” but he never swears around Mom. Seriously, I don’t see the big deal here.
“Good grief, Joyce, are you sure you didn’t drop him when he was a baby?” Both of them are looking at me with obvious exasperation.
“Wow, thanks, Pop. That one burned a little.” I rub my chest. “Seriously, though, I don’t understand why it’s a problem.” My gaze bounces between the two of them as I attempt to get a hint about their issue.
“Jesus, Liam! Your Mom’s the one who’s been doing all the cleaning, laundry, and food prep for you, as well as paying all your bills and handling all your investments. There aren’t any services because your mom is the service!”
What the fuck? He can’t be serious. Surely, I would have noticed that.
Would you though?
Fuck. How was this not obvious? Well, it explains why things were always exactly the way I liked them. I just thought Mom hired the right people. It’s pretty clear now why Dad’s upset.
“Mom, is that true?”
You didn’t want to know, did you? It’s not like you don’t know how she is.
Fuck me. How long as she been doing it herself? I hope I was paying her, but damn, knowing my mom, I wasn’t, especially since she also handles my money. Mom’s giving me that look that says I’m being stupid, but she’s too nice to say it out loud. Yeah, as a kid, I got that more than I’d like to admit.
“Well, honey, there were services for a while, but they charged so much and didn’t do a good job. It was just easier to do it myself. It’s not really that much work, but your father would really like to do some traveling. Maybe we can put it off for a few months. The season is starting soon.” Mom looks at Dad but he shakes his head.
“No, Joyce, we’re going. He’ll be fine.” I know that voice, so I know he’s serious.
Now Dad looks annoyed at both me and Mom. Damn it. I get it. I fucked up.
“Okay, so what do I need to do from now on, Mom?” I can own this.
“Jesus, Liam, you’re twenty-eight years old. Your mother isn’t going to give you a list for your own life. Figure it out, son.” His face is full of hard lines and irritation, clearly trying not to let his anger loose. He’s not wrong, but I’m suddenly feeling a bit defensive. Sometimes I get caught up in hockey. I get that, but it’s not on purpose. I never asked her to manage my life for me.
But you didn’t tell her not to, so whose fault is that?
Fuck. I should have, though. I really fucking should have. Because I know how they are about money. If I’d been paying attention, I would have seen it. Damn it. My chest tightens as my face heats, but I’m man enough to admit my mistakes.
“I’ll fix it, Dad.” Dad sighs and stands, pulling me in for another hug. Wow, two in one day. That’s a record for him.
Pop’s not big on physical affection. I don’t think my grandparents were very affectionate people. Dad doesn’t talk about them much, but when he does, it’s not to sing their praises. I want to ask about it, but I’m afraid of what he might say. They’re gone now, so I guess it doesn’t matter.
