Fallon #2
My parents finally bought a place in Florida this year. My father retired five years ago, and it’s their first experience as snowbirds. I think this is long overdue.
“I love it. It’s like sleepaway camp.”
I hear my father’s grumpy voice in the background, “It’s God’s waiting room, Doris. Three people in our community died last week.”
“Oh posh,” I hear my mom chastise. “They were in their nineties. Joel, be a good boy and go play golf.”
“I don’t want to play golf. It’s too hot,” he grumbles. “You can fry an egg on the cart path. Morty had heat stroke yesterday.”
“Then do pool aerobics, Debbie Downer. Just get out of this house before I throw you into the alligator-infested pond you’re afraid to walk by.”
“Helloooo,” I sing into the phone. “Do I need to be here for this conversation?”
“Sorry, honey. Grumpy Bear is being himself. Anyhoo, I’m fantastic,” she exclaims happily.
“I have canasta on Mondays, Mah Jongg on Tuesdays, bocce on Wednesdays, book club on Thursdays, and yoga on Fridays. Plus, we have dinner plans at least four nights a week. The people down here are so happy and friendly.”
This is exactly why I wanted them to go. “That’s great, Mom. I’m happy to hear it.”
“Speaking of dinner plans, any dates of note lately?” she asks suggestively.
I roll my eyes. I swear, asking this question is the only reason she calls. “I’ve been busy.”
I hear her moans of annoyance. “Fallon, forty is around the corner. I want some more little Harpers before it’s too late.”
“Thanks for the subtle reminder, Mom. I’m doing my best.”
“Are you? Geraldine’s daughter met someone on one of those online dating thingies. You should try that. You’re very good with technology. Always have been.”
Because helping them press the eject button on their VCR makes me a technology genius.
“Mom, I think I hear Harper calling. Let me run. I’ll call you later.”
The house is quiet, and I’ve just showered after a long day and a dinner full of Tanner and Kam trading insults. I throw on a robe to go to the kitchen to pour myself another glass of wine before bed. I might need to hijack the entire bottle after listening to the two of them bicker.
I see Tanner sitting alone in his kitchen with a glass of whiskey. “Hey,” I say. “Can’t sleep?”
He looks up, and his sad eyes meet mine. “No.” He runs his fingers over his beard, something I know he does when he’s particularly stressed. “She’s shutting me out. I feel so helpless.”
Bailey has been giving him the cold shoulder since the accident.
“Give her time,” I offer. “She’s living a nightmare right now. It’s an emotional roller coaster. I don’t think it has anything to do with you. When she feels better about herself, she’ll let you back in.”
He slowly nods as he stands and points to the freezer. “Want a scoop?”
I offer a small smile. “Have I ever said no to rum raisin ice cream?”
He chuckles as he pulls two bowls from the cupboard. “I suppose not.”
“Thanks for having it on hand.” It’s one of the few things he’s always remembered. I have a sweet tooth, and rum raisin ice cream is at the top of my food chain.
“Of course. It’s the least I can do for you.”
He serves me a scoop in a bowl before serving himself. After we clink spoons, he says, “Thank you for being here, Fallon. I can’t imagine it’s ideal for you, but you said yes without hesitation.”
“I care about Bailey too, Tan. You’re not the only one.”
“I know you do, but it’s still a lot to ask of you. Especially with her evil twin always lurking in the shadows.”
I smile. “Cut it out with her. It’s not good for Bailey that you and Kam spar the way you do.
And I hate to break it to you, but I like Kam.
Yes, she’s abrasive. Yes, she’s teaching our kid ridiculous, made-up words.
But she’s an amazing sister. Their bond and unconditional love are so special.
She’d move mountains for Bailey. I would love nothing more than for Harper to have a sibling just like Kam. ”
He looks at me with something between pity and compassion. He knows I’ve always wanted a big family, given that I didn’t have one growing up. “Are you dating at all?” he asks.
I shake my head while swallowing a spoonful of the delicious ice cream. “Not exactly an ideal time for that right now.”
“What about Jeffries? Didn’t he ask you out a few times?”
I nod. “Yes, but that was a while ago, and I declined.”
“Why? He’s not exactly hard on the eyes.” He smirks. “Not my type, but I would assume most women find him attractive. He’s always seemed like a good guy. I know his players love him. He’s like a second father to Vance.”
I swallow the knot in my throat because I know he’s a good guy and he’s ridiculously attractive. “Honestly, Tan, he’s probably the first man I’ve truly been attracted to since you, but…” My voice trails off.
“But what?” he asks with genuine curiosity.
I take a few calming breaths so I don’t break out into full-blown tears.
“I’m afraid of history repeating itself.
I know I’m getting way ahead of myself, but these are the things I think about before bothering to accept a date because I’m on a bit of a clock over here.
Jett has the kind of job you have to be married to.
I’m not saying this to be mean, but I don’t want to play second fiddle…
again. I don’t think I could mentally handle it. ”
His face falls. “I’m sorry I was a shitty husband to you.”
I shake my head. “It wasn’t my intention to drag shit up. We both made mistakes.”
He nods quickly. We don’t need to articulate my mistake in the marriage for us both to know what I’m referring to.
“It doesn’t matter now,” I continue. “It was a success because we made Harper. The best of both of us.”
His face lights up. “We sure did.” He serves himself a heaping spoonful of ice cream before saying, “I think you should go out with Jett. I can see you two together.”
“I think you should worry less about my love life and more about your own. Have you told her that you’re willing to do what it takes to have children with her?”
He shakes his head. “No. Babies aren’t exactly on her mind right now.”
“You should do it sooner rather than later. Look at everything you’re doing for her.
She must know you love her. Tell her about your willingness to have children.
It could be why she’s holding back, at least in part.
” Dropping my bowl and spoon into the sink, I point to his small wine cellar and smile as I ask, “Any particular bottle I should take to my room, or do I have free rein?”
He raises an unamused eyebrow. He knows I love fucking with him and taking good bottles when I don’t know anything about wines and would be just as happy with the cheap stuff.
“I got you a case of that nasty shit you liked in Italy. It’s on the bottom right of the cellar.
Stick to that section,” he commands with both authority and disgust. “It has appropriate wines for your palate.”
I giggle, knowing that means it’s the crappy wine section. “Thank you.”
Making my way back to my room with the bottle and a glass in hand, I grab my phone and settle into my bed. I see Lloyd has already asked if I’m available.
Diane: Sorry, got caught up with a mean bowl of rum raisin ice cream. I’m here now.