“Yeah.” I laughed. “It’s been a busy six days.”
“She must really like you.”
“Why would you say that? You haven’t even heard of me until now. I bet she hasn’t mentioned me once.”
“Nope. You’re right. Not once.” The kid really knew how to make a guy feel good. “But you’re here. My mom doesn’t really have friends. Especially not ones hanging around our house at eight in the morning. She only sticks around people she really likes. You’re here, and you seem to have her figured out, so that must mean she really likes you.”
The wisdom of a nine-year-old made it all sound simple.
But maybe it was that simple. Jamie and I liked each other, we’d become great friends with incredible benefits, and I didn’t want to be away from her. Didn’t want to miss any of it.
“You’re a lot like your mom. You’re a pretty cool kid. And I really like her too.”
“Yeah, don’t get too comfortable, Eric. She’s the best lady in the world, and she’s the most important person to me. If you mess with her, I’ll find a way to mess you up. My dad’s a cop, you know.”
“Hunter, I think you and I are going to get along great.”
An hour with Hunter had exceeded every expectation. After the initial awkwardness, we’d fallen into comfortable, effortless conversation.
Jamie’s child was as easy to fall in love with as she was.
He was smart. Raised with honesty, love, humility, and a healthy dose of humor. It showed in how he interacted, how he projected those qualities back. His awareness seemed light-years beyond his age. He considered the impact of his words and actions.
His take on what happened with his friend Jackson absolutely blew my mind. For nine years old, he was damn insightful. And it was almost a shame he was so aware, since it was obvious he was hurt by his friend’s betrayal.
He was a good kid. Jamie’s worries about her parenting skills were misplaced. Considering she’d done the job of two parents without support from her own, she’d done better than average.
Way better than Jackson’s parents, that was for sure.
I’d been hoping Jamie would join our lazy morning before heading to the hospital, but my hopes shattered when she rushed into the kitchen, frantic.
She looked wild, ready to trample anyone in her way. Something was very wrong.
Hunter didn’t seem to notice. “Mom, you should’ve told me you had a cool friend like Eric. Did you know his brother can skateboard? He’s practically a pro. Eric said we could all go to the hospital together. I want to meet Caleb. Eric says if you agree, I can hang out with them sometime.”
“Only if you agree.” I added, watching Jamie’s distracted movements.
We’d talked about Caleb nonstop. Once mentioned, he’d become Hunter’s favorite topic.
But Jamie didn’t acknowledge us. She bustled around, grabbing water and her purse from the counter.
Whatever was wrong, it was bad.
“I have to go to the hospital. Now. They called.” Her voice was tight with barely controlled panic.
“Let me grab my stuff.” I stood, taking charge. “Hunter, go change out of your pajamas. I’ll drive you both over.”
This I could handle. I’d been prepared for this moment since we’d left the hospital together.
It didn’t reduce my worry, but it reassured me that her behavior wasn’t about me being here. She wasn’t upset because I’d befriended her kid after spending the night in her bed.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’ll go alone. I’m okay.”
“Mom, you shouldn’t go by yourself.” Hunter’s concern was evident.
Smart kid. He was absolutely right.
“I love you, bud, but I can’t wait. Everything will be okay.”
