Wait For Me

Henry is probably starving. None of the kids have had supper. Emma has gum in her hair, and Jack is pissed at the world.

I think for a second about what Lorelei would do, but quickly push the thought away. Lorelei isn’t here. She left us, and she’s not coming back. It’s just me, and right now I’m two seconds away from losing my shit and not afraid to admit I need help.

“Change of plans. Emma, get your shoes on.”

She hops off the stool, and I shut off the bathroom light when she walks out.

“Jack, buddy, get your shoes on,” I holler.

“Where are we going?” he asks.

“To see Nick and Jessa. Maybe she can figure out how to get the gum out of Emma’s hair.”

He punches the air. “Yes!”

Emma follows behind him, equally excited, because even though he’s a jerk to her, she still thinks he hung the moon. Even Henry squeals at the sounds of their names. Jessa was Lorelei’s best friend growing up, and when she married Nick, he and I became friends.

They’ve been a huge help with the kids, especially after everything that happened with Lorelei. They’re like family to us.

My parents live four hours away, and we see them as often as we can. My brother is in town, and though he’s still single and a little all over the place, he helps quite a bit. Lorelei’s parents and her sister live an hour away in the city, but they’re busy with their own lives, and I feel like a burden to them.

“I like Nick.” Jack grabs Henry’s diaper bag without me having to ask.

If the kid would do things like that all the time, my life would be so much easier.

“Maybe he’ll let me play his XBox.”

“Maybe.”

At least I did one thing right tonight. If we all come home in one piece, I’ll call today a win.

5

Grayson

“Hey.” Nick opens the front door with his usual friendly smile. “You don’t look so good.”

“It’s been a rough evening.”

“Hey, Nick.” Jack shoulders his way past me and his sister, bumps Nick’s fist, and walks into the house like he owns the place.

“Jack, you can’t just walk into someone’s house,” I say to his retreating form.

“He’s fine.” Nick holds the door opens and smiles at Emma as she walks in. “Come in.”

“I’m sorry. I would’ve called first, but I was seconds away from losing my mind.”

“It’s not a big deal. You know how much we love seeing you and the kids. How is everybody?”

Once inside, I set the diaper bag down. I try to put Henry down too, but he tightens his chubby legs around my waist and clings to me. “Oh, you know, screaming, crying, bad attitudes, and poopy diapers. Just another day of parenthood.”

I’m not complaining. Really, I’m not. I love my kids more than life itself, but sometimes it’s hard doing everything on my own. There’s no one to turn to when I need to tap out for a few minutes. No one to help out with the daily tasks or talk about my day with.

Nick’s smile falters. I know that look; it’s the same one everybody gives me when they find out I’m a single dad of three with a deadbeat ex-wife who decided drugs are more important than her offspring.

I quickly wave him off. “It’s fine. We’re good. I’m good. I just need Jessa’s help getting gum out of Emma’s hair. And maybe a beer.”

“I’ve got beer.” Nick claps my shoulder and nods toward the kitchen. “Have you guys eaten yet?”