A Million Little Things (Mischief Bay, #3)

“Yes.”

“You’re wrong. I can’t believe you don’t see that. Steven, listen to me. I know people who have divorced and remarried. It’s never easy. There are always adjustment issues. Why would you sign up for that? You have to reconsider.”

“I don’t.” He stood. “Mom, I knew you’d take it badly. I hoped I was wrong, but I see that I wasn’t at all. Even so, I hoped for something else. Something supportive. I guess that was my mistake.”

“Steven!”

He put down his beer and walked out. Before she could go after him, she heard the door close and he was gone.

*

Jen shook the pills out onto her hand and paused before shrugging and downing them all with a big gulp of water. She’d been to see the specialist Lucas had recommended. She’d met with Alana, who had listened sympathetically then arranged for blood work. While that was being processed, she’d started Jen on a mild antianxiety medication and some general supplements. Nothing scary. Just normal, friendly sounding vitamins with a few other things—all available at her neighborhood health food store—along with the single prescription.

She’d also insisted that Jen drink at least sixty-four ounces of water a day, write down five things for which she was grateful and spend fifteen minutes sitting in a quiet room. Not meditation, Alana had insisted when Jen had rolled her eyes. Just quiet. So she could start to remember what it was like to listen to herself.

None of the instructions were especially onerous or even surprising, yet after only a few days, Jen already felt different. Slightly more in control and less panicky. She knew that the medication would take a few weeks to reach the proper dosage in her body, but she was happy to experience the placebo effect. Whatever worked.

She put the orange juice container back in the refrigerator, then began clearing the kitchen table. Breakfast had become a bigger deal. Lucas could go all day without eating, but he did enjoy a big breakfast. Kirk would happily eat any kind of egg dish put in front of him, and Jack seemed to thrive on the extra male attention.

With Lucas in the house, Jen no longer fed her son at his small table for breakfast and lunch. Instead she used the high chair at the kitchen table. Lucas was happy to keep Jack company. Like now. The two of them were hanging out in the sunroom. Lucas reading the paper while Jack played with one of his toy trucks. Jen could keep an eye on both of them from the kitchen.

Kirk came in, dressed for work. “I gotta go,” he said. “Court this morning, then casework this afternoon.”

She smoothed the front of his dress shirt—required attire for a court appearance. “Have fun.”

He kissed her, then pulled her into the walk-in pantry. “How are you doing?” he asked, his voice low. “It’s been a couple of weeks. Lucas says things are fine, but what do you think?”

She smiled. “I’m good. Seriously, it’s okay having him around. I’ll admit I was nervous, but he’s pretty low-key. Now that he can move around on his own, he’s a big help with Jack and I enjoy the company.”

Lucas was brutally honest. While she didn’t always like what he had to say, she had to admit he usually had a point. And the referral to Alana had worked out.

Kirk kissed her again. “Should I be worried that you two are getting along so well?”

She laughed. “He’s not my type and you know it. Besides, even if I was pining, I’m way too old for him.”

Her husband chuckled. “He might make an exception for you.”

“As if.” She put her hands on his shoulders. “I swear you have nothing to worry about. I’m feeling better and that’s plenty for me.”

“Good. I’ll see you tonight.”

He left. Jen finished in the kitchen, then made all three beds before returning to the front of the house. She walked into the sunroom.

A square throw rug covered the tile floor. There were large windows that could be opened to allow in a cross breeze, or removed completely in the summer. Rattan furniture covered with thick cushions gave the space a tropical feel. Jack sat on the rug while Lucas was in the chaise closest to the open play area.

“You have a doctor’s appointment today,” she reminded Lucas as she sat in one of the chairs.

He groaned. “I don’t want to go.”

“That’s mature. We need to leave in an hour.” She eyed the sweatpants and T-shirt he’d taken to wearing. Both were easier for him to manage as he recovered. “Did you want to get changed? I guess I could help.”

“I’m not your kid. I can dress myself.”

“Someone has attitude this morning.” Lucas was normally pretty even tempered. Even when he was in pain, or telling her what exactly was wrong with her, he never snapped, didn’t yell.

“Are you concerned that he’ll want you to start physical therapy?” she asked. “I don’t mind driving you.”

He turned his cold, green gaze on her. “I’m perfectly capable of driving myself.”

Uh-huh. Jen had her doubts about that. Lucas’s leg was still healing. There was no way he was going to get into that ridiculous car of his. If he thought he was ready to drive, did he think he was ready to be on his own?

She thought about all he could now do by himself. The day nurse no longer visited and he didn’t need Kirk’s help to get in and out of the shower. He was down to over-the-counter pain meds, except at night. So what was the problem?

“Do you want to leave or are you worried I want to kick you out?” she asked, deciding to be as blunt as he had been with her.

“Both.”

Funny how it was the first time she thought maybe he was lying to her. Which meant what? She knew that if Lucas wanted to go, he would be gone. Which left her only one option.