“Good mornoon,” he replied.
“Mornoon?”
“Yeah, it’s a combination of morning and afternoon. Guess we’ll just have to have our own little vocabulary until we’re in the same time zone.”
“I can’t wait.” I smiled just thinking about it. “How’s Thomas doing?”
He sighed heavily into the phone. “He’s adjusting. He’s still crying every night for Kate. I just wish there were a way I could make him understand.”
I realized then just how drawn out Theo’s tone was, like he was thoroughly exhausted. Honestly, I didn’t know how he was handling it all. Working full-time and then coming home and tending to Thomas was the new normal in his life. Anna and his cousin were alternating babysitting while Theo was at work, but when he got home, he was thrust into being a full-time single parent. His job had shifted roles around, and he was at least going to be traveling a lot less, which was a plus. This was all uncharted territory where he was concerned, and I admired how he was handling it, never losing his sense of humor.
“Aww, Theo. I’m so sorry, but you’re really doing such a great job.”
“Thanks. I kinda needed to hear that…and your voice.”
“Well, you can hear my voice anytime. I’m always just a phone call away…and very soon, you can hear my voice in person.”
“Umm…Jillian?” His tone tensed, like he was prepping me for something I didn’t want to hear.
“What’s up?” I cringed.
“I think I may have to postpone my visit. They need me to take this meeting they’ve got scheduled in Stockholm at the same time I was planning on coming to see you.”
“Oh,” I responded flatly. What else was there to say? Was I supposed to rip into him for changing up the plans because he had a work commitment? Was I supposed to cry because I’d been looking forward to seeing him and Thomas once again? This was who Theo was—a workaholic, I knew that when we first met. This, among other things, was a big part of the reason his marriage failed. Who was I to think that I’d be special enough to change the man he was, but even if I wasn’t, Thomas should’ve been. “What about Thomas? Who’s going to be taking care of him while you’re gone?”
“My cousin and my aunt.”
I nodded into the phone as if he could see me.
“I’m so sorry, Jillian. You know I’d much rather be with you. There was just no getting out of this.”
“No, no…it’s fine. I understand.” I got up and paced the kitchen, trying to ward off any sign of disappointment in my voice.
Luckily Theo didn’t allow much time for that to happen. “Listen, I have to run. I have this presentation to give, but I had just found out about this meeting and wanted to let you know right away.”
I closed my eyes and gripped my phone tightly. “Okay. I’ll talk to you later, then.” I hung up and braced my palms on the edge of the kitchen sink, staring out the window above it and into the backyard. Just a few minutes ago, I was planning a Fourth of July barbeque for the people who were closest to me to meet the man I was seriously considering taking the next step with. Now here I was, feeling more confused than ever over what that next step would be.
_______________
Despite Theo’s lack of presence at my Fourth of July bash, it was still going on as planned. He was feeling bad over it. Each time I spoke to him, he’d let me know how sorry he was and that he’d be sure to make it up to me. I assured him he didn’t need to make anything up to me. His work took priority over me, but it shouldn’t have over Thomas—a fact that I reminded him of. He had promised Kate he’d look after her son, and he was doing a great job, but part of that job was being there for Thomas whenever he needed him. Theo’s career was a demanding one, and I couldn’t imagine the stress he was under trying to balance it all, so I made sure I was gentle in my lecture to him, but firm enough that it sunk in.
My mother came over early and helped prepare for the barbeque. I scolded her when she showed up with birthday balloons and a cake as well. I had told her I was postponing all birthdays until further notice, but she refused to listen. I so wanted her to meet Theo and Thomas, but I brushed that disappointment off and tried to focus on the positive. She would be meeting DeAndre, whom I had told her so much about, and I’d be seeing Evan’s parents, who I invited last-minute. My mother also informed me that one of my brothers would be bringing over his new girlfriend, who he seemed to be becoming quite serious with, so I did have a lot to look forward to.
“Okay, if you have some space in the fridge, we can stick this potato salad in.” My mother was in full party planner mode. She missed her calling as an event coordinator. She was so organized and always ensured every party she had or anyone else had for that matter, went off without a hitch. She currently had my stepfather out in the backyard rearranging the patio furniture to her liking, shouting out the kitchen window every now and then if she saw something not up to her standards. We knew better than to argue with her when she got this way and just did as she said. I hurried up and cleared a spot on the shelf for her, then stood
