Page 72 of Real Forever
“Okay, Auntie.”
Madison felt her eyes well with tears yet again.
“What’s wrong?” Maisie reached her small hand up to Madison’s face, wiping her tears. “Are you sad from the big hurt in your heart from when Grandpa died?”
Madison's breath caught in her chest. “You think I have a big hurt from when Grandpa died?”
Maisie nodded and reached her small hand up to wipe away Madison’s tears just as Madison had wiped away hers.
“Wow. You sure are thoughtful for such a little girl.”
“I’m pretty smart, Auntie.”
“You sure are.” Madison sat in silent reflection while Maisie finished her pizza.
“Auntie, can we go downstairs and cuddle up and watch a movie? I think some cuddles would make me feel better.”
“Perfect idea, sweets. I think some cuddles would make me feel better, too.”
The girls went downstairs, and Madison helped Maisie haul all her favorite pillows and blankets to the couch and get a movie started on the TV. They snuggled up, Madison as the big spoon, Maisie as the little. Before long, Maisie was watching the movie peacefully, and Madison’s mind was free to unravel their conversation.
What does it say about me when a four-year-old child can plainly see my grief is overwhelming my ability to live my life and carry out a relationship? Am I the Dave? Did I throw away everything with Jake because I was scared? Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m the one who needs to heal myself so I can love Jake the way he deserves.
30
Jake
Jake’sweary face shone in the blue light of his laptop. Adeline had been right. There was a lot to do to get this new location running. He’d been working on a timeline and detailed preparation list and seeing it all in front of him was exhausting and overwhelming.
“Aaah, haha. Fuck you too, bud,” Zach shouted from the couch. He was playing video games and heckling the other online players through his headset.
It was difficult to determine which of the items on his long list was the most urgent, but he decided hiring staff for the Silver Creek office was the best first step. Once he had them trained, it would free his time to work full throttle on the new office opening. He opened a new document and began typing a job advertisement. Two sentences in his phone buzzed on the table beside him.
Madison?His heart jumped and then immediately crashed as he picked up the phone and read the screen.
“Hi Mom,” he answered the phone flatly. Zach glanced over from the couch and rolled his eyes.
“Hello, dear. How are you?” Adeline’s words were characteristically cold and clipped.
“I’m fine. How are you and Dad?”
“We’re fine. The Brixtons came by this afternoon for lunch and we had a lovely visit with them. Do you remember the Brixtons? You went to school with their daughter, Jasmine. What a lovely girl. She’s in Toronto now at a big equities firm.”
“That’s great. Good for her.” Jake rubbed the center of his forehead.
“I’m calling to check up on your progress with everything we discussed. Have you started making preparations for the Calgary opening?”
“Yes. I’m reviewing my timeline and posting job advertisements as we speak.”
“Oh, good. It’s about time. And the girl? Madison? What’s the status between the two of you now?”
Jake glanced over at Zach and lowered his voice. “We broke up. So you can stop worrying about it.”
Zach turned away from his game and mouthed, “What?” Jake waved him off.
“You’re right, Jake. I was worried. I know it may not seem like it right now, but this is a good thing. This will help you reach your goals.”
“I know, Mom.”
