Mockingbird: a Songbird Sequel

Eleven: Colt

Doc Baker couldn't get me in til the next week, but we spent about an hour on the phone just chatting about what was happening. I'd only stopped going to therapy about six months before, thinking that I was 'fixed.' Apparently, that was not a good idea. The doc suggested bringing Beau in, even Lennie, try some sort of family therapy, because... that's what we were now. He explained that part of the problem was likely me having a hard time adjusting from doing everything on my own when it came to Beau, to having a partner to share the responsibility. He also said that the reason I tended to lash out at Lennie was because it was more or less 'safe.' She loved me. She was forgiving, past the point she probably should be, so subconsciously I knew it was unlikely she'd just walk away. I didn't like it, but it made sense. Now it was time to figure out how to knock it the fuck off, though, because I wasn't about to chance the love of my life telling me to get fucked and taking off to who knows where. No chance in hell of that.

I texted Lennie and told her that Doc had suggested at least a couple family sessions. Truth be told, I was just trying to get her to talk to me. She responded, just an "OK," but it was better than nothing. Hell, if she was interested in family therapy that meant we were still a family, right? That was good enough for me for the time being. I then decided to press my luck and fire off an "I love you" and much to my own surprise, she responded "You too." It wasn't much, and it definitely wasn't the usual sweet, bouncy Lennie response, but goddamn, it felt like I'd just won an Olympic medal or some shit. I'd take it. I'd take the fact she was responding to me at all.

I stopped by my mom's to check-in on Beau before I had to work. He was still looking at me like I was some horrible monster he had to figure out how to slay, but I expected that. Mom said she'd take him back to the farm and hang around til I got done at the bar. Beau wasn't thrilled that he now required a babysitter again, but he didn't fight it either. He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere. I mentioned therapy to him, as well, and he just gave me a nod. Mom thought it was a fantastic idea. I had a feeling no matter what I did for a while, Beau wasn't going to be my biggest fan, and to be honest, I was okay with that. I was his dad, not his best friend, and he was going to have to realize he couldn't just do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Even if that meant I looked like the villain in all of this. Some day when he had a kid of his own, he'd understand. Until then, I'd remain Public Enemy Numero Uno if that's what it took.

It was karaoke night, so I was likely going to be fairly busy that night. Nina was already there getting set up. The woman worked more than I did. Best hiring decision I ever made.

"Hey there, Bossman," she greeted, looking up from the citrus she was cutting. "Welcome back."

I chuckled a bit then sighed. "Thanks."

"You do not look like a man who just married the woman of his dreams," Nina stated. "Spill."

This sigh was deep. "Shit went sideways last night."

"How so?"

"Caught Beau and Maggie... in bed..."

I watched Nina's eyes widen. "Oh shit."

"Yeah. Then... I lost my head. Said some shit I shouldn't have to Len. She slept in the spare room..."

"No..."

"Yup," I nodded with a self deprecating chuckle. "Blew this one in record time."

"I doubt you blew it, Colt. She just needs some time."

"Sure. After being married to me three days. Great fuckin' start to this forever thing." I took a deep breath and inflated my cheeks, folding my arms over my chest and leaning against the bar. "I called my therapist. Obviously ain't as fixed as I thought."