Imperfect Fit

Chapter 24-Cracks Begin To Show

Song for chapter: Million Reasons ~ Lady Gaga

SAGE

"Hey, it's Joanna. Leave me a message or send me a text if you need a quick response. Bye!"

I impatiently wait for the beep even though it doesn't take that long. "Hey, I've sent you a few text messages...I'm starting to feel like a stalker." A nervous chuckle escapes me as I rub my forehead. "No, but I'm starting to get worried. I've even called Oli but she's not answering either. Why do I get the feeling you're both avoiding me?" I let out a frustrated sigh. "Please call me, Joanna."

She left without saying goodbye. I admit the phone call with Birdie took much longer than I would have liked— she insisted on going over a custody schedule because she was going to be going back to LA within the next week.

After a lot of back and forth, I finally said his schedule during the school year shouldn't be disrupted, but I would be open to him spending summer vacation with her even though it kills me to imagine being away from him for that long. She said she'd double check with her agent on any upcoming events she has going on and get back to me.

Birdie's snarky comment about giving me alone time with my new girlfriend if it lasted until then replays in my mind.

Once I mentioned bringing in our lawyers as mediators between us, she backed down, saying she didn't want anyone to catch wind of this whole thing and run away with it. I regret following her advice on not involving them from the get-go more than anything now.

I also realize I should have told Joanna sooner about Birdie and what it could mean for us...mostly for her and the very real possibility that her life and her family's lives will be scrutinized unfairly.

The reality of the situation sends my blood pressure through the roof. Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths to calm myself, focusing on not going off the deep end, I lean back into my chair in my office.

"Dad?"

I sit up and find Obie standing in the doorway of my office. "Hey, bud, what's up?" Smiling, hoping to appear unbothered.

"Do you think I could invite Camila over to hang out sometime? Like we could play video games or watch a movie or something. Or maybe you could take us to the mall and we could go to the arcade?"

I knew this day would come one day, I just wish it wasn't so soon. Leaning back in my chair, I observe my son, and smile. "I think I should meet her parents first then we can go from there."

Obie nods. "Yeah, JoJo said the same thing this morning, too." My heart pings a little at the mention of her name.

"Dad?" I look back at him and he's wringing his hands in front of himself and then he shifts on his feet, biting his lower lip. "I think I made JoJo upset this morning...I uh, I kinda told JoJo mom didn't like you dating her." He looks down at his hands. While I try to control my anger, learning Birdie's sharing her feelings about me and Joanna to him.

I stand to approach Obie. "There are certain things parents should only talk about with adults and others that are okay to talk about with you. Your mom might not be happy about me dating, but she shouldn't bring that up with you. I'm sorry for that, but this isn't your fault."

He looks up at me and a pinkness surrounds his eyes, just like whenever he cries. "But I could tell JoJo was upset after I told her and she saw your wedding picture I have and then left so fast."

I pull him into a hug, sighing in relief, understanding what happened, but also realizing Joanna may be more upset than I thought. I run my hand through his curls and lift his face towards mine. "This isn't your fault. I should have talked to Joanna about who your mom is and how she feels." I exhale out a long breath. "Listen, ask Camila for her parents number and I'll reach out to them next week, okay?"