Cassidy:Mom wasn’t really in the mood to have fun.
Turner:Tell me you’re kidding. I’m sorry. I’ll talk to her and I will make this up to you, I swear.
Cassidy:Just don’t come over. Mom is raging. She’s talking about moving back to Alden. Maybe give her time to cool off.
Turner:I can do that.Cass, I wasn’t kidding when I said I’ll do whatever it takes to make this up to you.
Cassidy:Can you make her stay in Denton?
Turner:I’ll try. Let me know when she’s calmed down. I love you, kiddo.
Cassidy:Love you, too.
There were no more word games. There was nothing after that but dozens and dozens of messages from Turner to his family. First, to Dani.
I know you’re still majorly pissed at me and that’s fine but just tell me, did you go on the balloon ride? How was it?
He clearly already knew they hadn’t gone. Josie would have expected him to jump right to accusing his wife of ruining the experience for Cassidy but instead, he asked her if they’d gone as if he didn’t already know. The approach served several purposes. It gave Dani the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she had been willing to take Cassidy on the balloon ride, but Cassidy hadn’t wanted to go while her mom was in a bad mood because of Turner. It didn’t start the conversation off with an accusation. It also didn’t throw Cassidy under the bus. He kept what they discussed private so that Cassidy could trust that whatever she told him would stay between them.
Josie had to admit, she respected Turner for it. It was mature and that wasn’t a descriptor she would ever have associated with him.
Dani didn’t respond. Turner’s messages continued, unanswered.
I know you’re angry with me. I get it. I’ll take my lumps but let’s talk about this.
Please, Dani. Things were starting to get better before this. I don’t understand how we got here. Just talk to me.
I love you both. I understand you’re pissed. If you don’t want to keep trying, fine. I will make this up to Cassidy. Tell her it’s okay to call me.
Please answer my calls.
I’ll give you your space but at some point, we should talk.
Is this really the thing that’s going to torpedo our marriage? After all these years of trying to hold it together? According to you, I’ve done much worse in the past. What the hell is going on?
If you don’t want to try anymore, I accept that but let’s at least be civil. Cassidy needs that from us.
Please don’t shut me out. How many times have we done this already? Can we just get to the part where you talk to me again?
They went on and on. A dozen or more each day.
There were texts to Cassidy as well.
Kiddo, I know you’re mad and disappointed with me. I don’t blame you. I’m sorry. Can you come over so we can talk?
Cass, please pick up. I just want to hear your voice.
Please take my calls. You don’t have to tell mom we talked.
I know your mom is really pissed at me right now, but I’d really like to see you.
At least come by and see Spot. The old asshole is lonely as hell. I can make myself scarce if you don’t want to see me.
I’m giving you guys some space. I don’t want to make things worse but let’s try to work this out.
Those continued for days as well. Every so often, they were punctuated by his attempts to keep their word game going.
Velleity
