A month could change his life. Who knew?
It was crazy. He was a grown man, not a high schooler whose boyfriend had just gone off to college. It was not quite a week since Sawyer had left, so why did it feel like longer? Still, work didn't stop because he missed his boyfriend. In fact, he'd thrown himself into the resort trying to ensure that this project was a success. If not for himself, for Sawyer. He wanted Sawyer to be proud of him, to know that in his absence, Ford had his back and could handle whatever difficulties crept up.
“Get it together, Ford.” He turned from the mirror, grabbed his messenger bag, and slung it over his shoulder as he walked out of his room and down the stairs.
“Heading to work,” he called out to his mom and probably his dad, too, if he was with her.
“Breakfast first.” His mom approached from the back of the house where the kitchen was.
“Mom, I don’t have time for breakfast. I’ll grab something on the way. I have a ton to do today.”
“You know you won’t.” Her eyes took him in, which was what he’d been trying to avoid. His mom’s brow creased, and the next words out of her mouth told Ford that he’d been right on the money. “You don’t look good.”
“Gee, thanks.” He tried for a witty response, but it didn’t work because his mom stepped into his space, the back of her hand going to his forehead.
Ford barely held in his impatient huff. His mom was more overprotective than most, so he wasn’t surprised. He figured going along with it would get him out of there sooner, and it wasn’t like he was lying. He was perfectly healthy.
“You don’t have a fever, but it looks like you haven’t gotten any sleep.”
“Are you saying I don’t look perfect, Mom, because that would be a very mean thing to say to your child.” Ford stuck his lips out in a mock pout.
“Try again, hun. Several times last night I heard you get up and leave your room.” Her hands went to her hips, and she stared him down like he was a suspect and she was expecting a confession, “In fact, it’s happened the past few nights. I know that you miss him, but he’ll be back soon.”
“Ma… I’m fine.” Ford did his best to hold on to his patience. “I’ve been busy. Lots to do at work, you know.”
“Ford Lucas Erickson, do not lie to your mother.” There was no heat to her voice.
“I really am okay, Mom.”
Her eyes studying him said she wasn’t convinced. “Maybe you should call Owen up and go have a night on the town.”
This is what you get for living at home.
Ford released a capitulating sigh. It was probably easier to give in.
“Is that a ‘get off my back’ sigh?” His mom gave him a knowing look even as her lips curved.
Ford flashed her a smile. “A little, but I still love you.”
“You’d better.”
Just like every other time he said those words, his mom’s face lit up. He was lucky to have two parents who adored him. Even though growing up as the only child of slightly older parents who always told him he was their miracle had some drawbacks, he wouldn’t trade it for the world. Ford was so very aware of how good he had it.
Not to mention Sawyer’s voice and the look in his eyes when he reminded Ford just how lucky he was to have them.
“I miss him.” Heat stained Ford’s cheek. It was probably juvenile telling his mom that, but he’d always been able to tell her anything. He looked down at his feet and added, “I guess I'm just sad that Sawyer had to leave. That's crazy, right? We're so brand new, but I feel like I’m missing a part of myself…” Ford snorted at his admission. “I'll be okay, Mom. I promise. It’s going to take some time to get used to it. But I’ll be fine.”
She tilted her head, surveying him. “Why do you have to get used to it? Sawyer will be home soon, dear. I know how it feels—I was young once.” Her lips curved in a smile, and her eyes lost their focus. “I remember the honeymoon period.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, and that managed to get a smile out of him even as her cheeks pinked.
Ford watched as his dad came up behind his mom, and his arms went around her waist. His mom's eyes lit up, and she relaxed into her husband’s body.
“Are you saying we're not in the honeymoon period anymore?” His dad’s voice was teasing, then he nuzzled his mom's neck, and she giggled.
His mom actually giggled.
“Okay, that’s clearly my cue to leave.” His parents were so gag worthy, ughh.
But you hope you and Sawyer are the same after over thirty years together.
“Have a good day at work, honey. You know you can call me if you need anything.”
Instead of pointing out to his mom that he was a grown man, a college graduate, he placed a kiss on her cheek and backed away towards the front door. “Thanks, Mom. I will.” Not... “Today is going to be a long day, so I might be home a little late.”
“I know that you miss Sawyer, but he'll be here before you know it. We'll help you get through it until he's back home.”
Help him get through it. He considered pointing out that Sawyer was only in New York, not off to war in Iraq or something.
His dad shot him a sympathetic smile over her head. Yup, they were both used to her worrying and loving nagging. He wasn’t sure that was a thing, but it was what he called it.
“I know, Mom.” She was over the top, but he loved her anyway.
Still didn’t mean he needed help getting through.
Well, she wouldn't be all up in your face if you weren't moping around the house like
