“I’ve got savings in my Florida account, and I can get a pretty penny for the condo there, too.And even if they’ll only pay out one year, we can make that work because the house is paid for, and I know you’ve got education funds for the twins.And Derek’s pretty sure he can get me at least two years instead of just the one, but he’s going to try for all three.And I just…” JP shrugged and then met his gaze.“You and the twins have a life here, and I want to be with all three of you.”
Ian was going to throw up.“I’d go with you, though.I want you to know that.It was a mistake.We need you.”
JP reached for his hands, taking them and holding onto them.“Thank you, Chou.That means a lot.It really does.”
“I love you.They need you.We all need you.”
“I love you too, Chou.And I want a life with you guys.”JP reached out and stroked his cheek.“I can’t believe I left you here.”
“I wish I could sit on your lap.I need a hug.”He felt like his soul had been stretched too thin today, like he?—
His phone rang.His folks.
He’d texted to say Tori had been hurt.
“Mom and Dad.Yay.”He answered.“Hey, Mom.”
“Oh, baby.Is our baby girl okay?Are you okay?”
“We’re all okay.”
“We’re bringing soup and toys and puzzles and?—”
“Wait.What?You’re in town?”
They lived three hours away.
“Our grandbaby is hurt!”
JP was watching him, and one eyebrow went up.
“All right, but the guest room isn’t?—”
“We’ve got a hotel, silly.You have your hands full.We’re coming to help, not aggravate.”
That was so sweet of them.And he knew they were just concerned and full of help and love.It was just that things with JP seemed to be at a crossroads, a good one, but still.
“I promised Tori she could have pizza tonight.I hope that works.”
“Of course it does.Do you guys need anything while we’re on the way?”
“Ice cream.She’s getting all she asks for at the moment, and she’s asking for it like every two minutes.”
“Okay.And her fathers?”
Ian smiled at JP.“You want anything, love?”
“I’ve got everything I need, Chou.”
“We’re good, Mom.I’ll see you when you get here.”He hung up and stared at JP.“Wow.”
“I take it they’re on their way?”
He rolled his eyes.“They have a hotel.”
They’d driven three hours — three — to get to them.His parents were so used to rescuing him.
“Well, at least there’s that.Are they pissed at me?For leaving you behind I mean.”
