Page 171 of Straight Dad

“Why?”

“Because I think his denial means it’s harder than he expected.”

“Probably.”

“Um…” What do I say to that?

“Layton is gifted and Layton is a natural, but he’s willing to work too. He’s a fighter,” he says plainly.

“Right.”

“He didn’t quit. He didn’t check himself out. And he told us what he needed. You might argue, but all of that is better than a week ago or a month ago.”

“Dang it. Are you always this calm and wise?”

“No.” This comes from the background. “Don’t feed the ego. Please, Livy.”

“Of course, I am,” Exton says.

“You tamed the beast. Thanks.”

“See you tomorrow,” Willa calls from somewhere behind phone.

“I can’t wait. Have a great night.”

We disconnect, and I pace a bit.

Me:I miss you. Can you chat?

Bean:Is after work okay? How’s your week?

Me:Sure. Call anytime. My week’s been interesting.

Bean:There’s a story there.

Me:Oh yeah.

I finally bail on the sofa with a book and a blanket but end up texting Layton.

Day 8

Me:I’m guessing things suck. I hate it for you and wish I could fix it.

Me:If I were there, I’d tell you I was proud of you doing the hard things.

Me:If you were here, I’d want you to spoon me.

Me:How do you feel about spoon sex?

Something in that text trips my memory from grad school. What if it’s chemical and not physical? What if Layton isn’t impotent, but…

I flip to my browser, and a quick search shows what it’s taken me too long to piece together… namely, that oxy can cause erectile dysfunction in one percent of men.

One percent.

Me:Do you have to be an overachiever in everything?

Night 8