“Good boy,” his mother said.
“I won’t be home tomorrow night. Just letting you know not to leave the light on.”
He wouldn’t be embarrassed to say that, but it felt like at his age he shouldn’t have to.
But he wouldn’t let his parents worry or wonder if he didn’t return either.
It went back to respect at all ages.
“Have fun,” his mother said, smirking.
Jayce got up and walked out of the room and upstairs for the night. He thought they’d ask more questions and was happy they hadn’t because he had few answers.
All he knew was that Farrah whispered in his ear when he left that Archer had a sleepover and she didn’t want to be home alone on Saturday.
Had to follow the rules and keep Archer’s mom happy, so he couldn’t say no!
“I commend you on your restraint,”Jim said when his son was upstairs.
“I’m learning,” his wife said.
“It only took thirty years,” he said. “But go on, get it off your chest.”
“Jayce seems so happy. I told you that a few weeks ago. I worried about him coming home, but he needs this as part of his transition.”
“Don’t confuse him staying because of her,” he said. “I know in your mind you’re hoping if he can settle down in his personal life that he will be happy with his decision to stay.”
“You feel the same way but don’t want to admit it,” she argued.
“Maybe. But he had to do that on his own. He’s not going to risk hurting anyone, but I wanthimhappy. I’m hoping his new career plays a part in it, but if he’s not happy with it, he knows he can move on.”
“I don’t think he will any more than you. He’s having fun at work, he’s not stressed, and he admitted that he’s making more with his salary.”
“You wanted to give him even more,” he said.
“I know. It was wrong of me, but I get it. It has to be fair. I didn’t know what he was making.”
“And it wasn’t our business. Our business is helping our kids find happiness and we are. Give him some breathing room now. No more calls to Carolyn or Diane.”
She wrinkled her nose. His wife didn’t keep secrets from him, but he hadn’t been happy to hear she’d done that.
Stacy got her wish and now she had to let it ride.
Just like he was.
If the trip got too messy, they’d both be there for support, but his son had to figure this one out on his own.
24
WAITED FOR YOU
“Hi,” she said, dipping her head down the next day when she opened the door for Jayce.
Farrah didn’t know why she was so nervous.
It wasn’t as if they didn’t text or talk all the time.
They had dinner last night. He kissed her a few times. Put his arm around her, held her hand.
