The Daddy Box Set

That thought made me nervous for the next fight. I had to stay calm and in control. I headed into the room with Artie and was mentally preparing myself for a lecture from him.

“Do you realize how lucky you just got out there?” Artie asked, practically screaming. His face was red with anger.

“I know,” I said, looking down at the ground.

“You need to keep your focus. Don’t let your nerves get the best of you,” he said.

I wished I could spend a few minutes alone, just for a moment of recuperation, before being scolded. I knew that Artie was just doing his job. I needed to be thankful for his help and support. Artie’s wisdom had gotten me this far, and without him, I knew I would never make it through my bet with Markie.

“Whatever it is that is making you nervous, you need to let it go before it destroys you,” Artie said. “If you keep focused on all the negative B.S., all you are going to do is cause more issues for yourself.”

“I know,” I said without emotion. I didn’t know what else to say to him.

He was making me feel even worse than I already did. It was a very tough fight, one I almost lost, and now I was being lectured for it. I knew he was only doing it because he cared, but it was still hard to listen to.

He left the room, and I changed into my street clothes. I just wanted to be home with Margie. I packed up my things and headed out to my car. I was only thirty minutes away from home, but it felt like hours before I even reached my street.

When I got there, Margie was still awake.

“What are you still doing up?” I asked her. I wasn’t mad, just surprised.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

“I’m sorry, Justin. I tried to get her to bed, but she said she couldn’t sleep until she knew you got home okay,” Tiffany said.

“It’s alright,” I said to Tiffany and pulled out my wallet to pay her. My mom had been invited out for a girls’ night with a few of her book club friends and had not been available to watch Margie. “Thank you for watching her.”

“You’re welcome. And thank you, but you keep the money,” she said.

“No, I don’t think that would be right,” I argued.

“I’m serious; you keep the money. I had fun, and I don’t mind watching her just to watch her,” Tiffany said.

I thanked her and then looked at Margie. “I think it’s time for bed. Can you tell Tiffany goodbye?”

“Bye, Tiffany. Thank you for playing Uno with me,” Margie said.

Tiffany crouched down and gave Margie a hug. “No problem. I had fun. Your daddy is home now so make sure you go to bed for him, okay?”

Margie nodded her head.

“Goodnight, Justin,” she said. She had that same look in her eye. I didn’t know what was really going through her head, but I hoped she didn’t think I wanted anything more from her. I was already very interested in someone else.

“Goodnight, Tiffany,” I said, and when she left, I locked the door behind her.

I picked up Margie. “Let’s go get in bed.”

I carried her to her room, laid her on her bed, and tucked her in.

“Did you win?” she asked, her voice full of hope.

“Yeah, I did,” I said.

“How come you don’t seem very happy then?”

I didn’t want to explain it to her. The whole situation was far too complicated for someone so young to understand. Instead, I pulled the covers further up, smoothing them out under her chin.

“I am happy,” I promised. “I’m just tired. Why are you still awake?”