Incandescent

“Ah shit, I’m a fucking mess. I need to get it together.” Delaney stood and swiped his hands over his clothes and through his hair. It sucked that he had to hold it together all the time. “In here, Grant.”

“Marc!” Grant said as he walked into the living room. “You’re here.”

“Yep, just came by to keep your dad company,” I said hesitantly, realizing that it might not have sounded like the best reason. But I had nothing to hide.

“Did he need that?” He turned to his dad. “You told me you were okay and that I—”

“Grant.” I saw the frustration in his expression that he’d messed up yet again.

“No big deal,” I said. “I was just in the neighborhood and decided to stop by.”

“Then why does my dad look…I don’t know.” His eyebrows knitted in confusion.

“It’s all good. Just let me use the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” he said, lurching toward the stairs, and I could tell how hard he was trying to walk normally.

“Is he okay?” Grant asked me. “Or is he just putting on a good face like he always does?”

Instead of answering him, I asked a question of my own. “Why do you suppose he does that?”

“Obviously to make things easier for me.” He balled his hands. “But I’m almost an adult. I wish he’d—never mind.”

I shouldn’t have gotten involved, but still, I asked, “Wish he’d what?”

He sighed. “I wish he’d just stop being so uptight about things, but I also get why he is. He’s trying to keep me safe or whatever,” he said with a flap of his hand. “Mom was always more chill about stuff, but Dad and I butt heads a lot.”

“Your lives have changed dramatically, and you’re just trying to find your way. I get it.” I glanced toward the stairs. “He worries a lot.”

“I know. Sometimes I don’t want to tell him things because he has so much on his plate.”

My chest squeezed because I knew he was a good kid and was just trying to navigate his newfound relationship with his father. “Ever think he feels the same way?”

He blinked. “Yeah, I guess so. Hey, you’re easy to talk to. I bet you were good with your nephew.”

“Thanks. I tried.” I could feel my cheeks burning. “Just like your dad, and I probably made as many mistakes.”

When I heard a noise near the stairs, I turned to see Delaney standing there, looking much more awake and sober. Guess a cold splash of water to the face helped.

“You want anything to eat before bed?” Delaney asked Grant in that same faltering voice, like he was walking on eggshells. “Cookies and milk?”

Grant rolled his eyes, pretending to be irritated, except a smile broke across his face, and he nodded. Guess Delaney was able to appeal to the little kid in him after all.

“I’m gonna head out and leave you to it,” I said, suddenly feeling out of place. I wasn’t part of this family, no matter how cozy it had felt tonight.

“I’ll walk you out,” Delaney said, and when our eyes met, his crinkled at the corners, making me feel warm inside all over again.

“See you later, Grant,” I said, and he waved as he knelt down to pet Ruby, whose tail was wagging frantically.

“Hey, Marc?” Grant called from his perch near the fireplace.

I spun toward him. “What’s up?”

“Dad said you’d want to help us with our kitchen?”

“Yep, but only if it’s cool with you.” I glanced quickly at Delaney. “I can’t help loving the charm of these old Tudors, so I’d totally enjoy it.”

“These houses are all prewar era,” Grant said. “In fact, this used to be known as one of the rich parts of the city.”

Delaney shook his head and smiled, likely marveling at his child’s penchant for collecting random facts. I’d admit to nerding-out on architecture magazines and artifact websites. It not only helped with my business, but with my other interests as well.

“Don’t I know it,” I replied. “Unfortunately, there is plenty of redlining around here too.”

“Yep, mostly in Shaker Heights.” He tipped his chin toward the window. “It’s the reason there’s no easy access to the freeway from this side of town.”

I whistled. “Man, you sure know your stuff.”

“That’s the same thing Dad always says.”

“We’re obviously right,” I teased, and Grant scoffed, but his eyes were alight with humor. “So would you be okay…with me helping?”

“Uh-huh,” he replied as Ruby licked his hand. “It would be cool.”

“Awesome. Your dad and I will work out the details.” I turned toward the door again. “See you soon.”

At the door, Delaney said in a hushed tone, “Thanks, again. For coming here and letting me…well, you know.”

“No problem.” I squeezed his shoulder. “I know you’d do the same for me.”

Resisting the urge to hug him again, especially in front of Grant, I said my goodbyes instead.