Chapter Twenty-Six
THEA
As soon as I ended the call, I took a few deep breaths. I couldn't even keep myself calm and burst into tears. I set the phone on the counter and curled my hands on the edge as I leaned over.
No matter what, I knew I was doing the right thing. Joe didn't have to tell me what was going on with Joey's mom, but he did need to give Joey a little time to adjust.
My phone vibrated on the counter, and I straightened, looking down to see Audrey’s name flashing on the screen. I didn't even want to tell my friends about this. I swiped at my tears and ignored the call.
Joe called again, and I let it go to voicemail. I resolved I was going to keep this boundary in place. Not for me, but for Joe and Joey.
A day later
“Sweetheart, come on. I talked to Joey. He's fine,” Joe insisted.
“Tell me something, Joe. Does Joey know what's going on with his mom? No offense, but telling a kid his mom is having health issues or needs a break is vague as hell and will probably just create anxiety.”
Joe’s sigh was heavy, and I could picture him running his hand through his hair with his eyes weary and worried. My heart gave an achy thump. I loved him so much.
“Thea, I don't know exactly what his mom told him.”
“Look, you don't have to tell me the details. I understand that she asked you to keep it private, but he needs to understand enough about what's happening. It might help him right now.”
Now, I could imagine Joe was chewing the inside of his cheek with his lips twisting to the side. If I was right there in front of him, he would be glaring at me affectionately.
“Okay, okay, you might have a point,” he finally said.
I loved being right. Hell, who didn’t? But this wasn’t even satisfying. I had too many emotions jumbled up. “I know I have a point. Maybe you could talk to her family or her and figure out how you guys will approach that. In the meantime, I'm going to keep staying down here for the weekends.”