Page 130 of Fierce-Michael

“I need his life to be stable. I can do it. Are we going to be okay with this? You and me?”

“Absolutely,” she said. “Never think otherwise. I’m serious. You have to do what is best for Ty and it’s this. You know I support you. Do you not believe me?”

“I believe you,” he said. “I just needed to hear it again.”

“Then I’ll say it again. I’ll support you in any way I can. At any time. I’m here for you and him. I love you both and never doubt that for a minute.”

He held her tightly, then let go.

They walked into the front room where Ty was watching a movie.

“Hi, Dad,” Ty said. “You’re back.”

“I am. Can I pause your movie so we can talk?”

“Am I in trouble?” Ty asked.

“No,” he said. “But we need to talk about your mother.”

“She doesn’t want to see me anymore, does she?” Ty asked. His eyes filled with tears. “Was I too loud and she got in trouble?”

Fucking A.

He pulled his son into his arms. “You weren’t too loud. You’re not in trouble. Don’t ever think that. Don’t change who you are for anyone. Ever.”

“But Mom doesn’t want me anymore, does she?” Ty asked.

He pushed his son back some so he could look into his eyes. This might be the hardest conversation he’d ever have to do.

“This isn’t on you, Ty. Your mother has a lot going on in her life. It’s not that she doesn’t want you. Never think that. She needs some time and space to figure things out and we both agreed it’s best to let her have it.”

“Can I talk to her at least?” Ty asked.

He closed his eyes, then looked at Kelly before saying, “For now I think it’s best to give her time. I’m sorry. I really am. I’m here for you. All four of your grandparents are here too. No one is going anywhere.”

“Just Mom?” Ty asked.

“For now,” he said. “It doesn’t mean it’s permanent.”

“So I might see her again?” Ty asked.

“Yes,” he said. “This is just for now. Maybe once she figures some things out, it will change.”

But he didn’t expect that because an hour after he’d let her know how it went, she only replied that she was going to quit her job and move with some friends to Florida.

39

KEEPING SECRETS

The following Sunday, Michael and Kelly had brunch and then were going to pick up Ty from Michael’s parents’ house.

It’d been a rough week for Michael and she tried not to bring it up much. If he wanted to talk about things, he would, and she noticed he didn’t want to.

She’d done her best on Friday night and Saturday morning to distract and entertain Ty. A five-year-old was easier to do that with.

When Ty had asked if he could spend the night at Michael’s parents, they’d gladly taken their grandson, giving her and Michael the night to themselves.

Maybe they needed it too.