i had some help | book four

chapter seven

"Hey, I just wanted to see how you were doing," he said as she picked up, his tone was cautious.

Laney hesitated before speaking, "We're managing. It's been difficult but we are getting by". It had been so long since she had heard his voice.

Morgan sighed, "I know it's been tough... I'm sorry for how things worked out. I want us to try to work through this again but I understand if you need time".

Laney's throat tightened, "I need time. We need time. I think I need to think about what's best for Luna and I".
Saying the words aloud hurt her.

"Oh," he said, "Well take your time".

"Thank you. I'll keep in touch," she ended the call.

Returning home was the right call. She could tell he was taken aback by her response of needing time to think. The weeks at home had led her to reflect on her inner thinking process and her emotional stability. Despite Morgan being absent from the house, the presence of their ongoing situation continued to take a heavy toll.

It had been four days since their phone call. She wanted to reach out to him but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She had reached out to Jack the day before, he had always been a support system for her no matter the situation. Jack had been there for her and had never judged her, he looked out for her like a brother would. Despite the turmoil from Morgan he endured, he was willing to put himself through it for Laney.

Laney dressed up in a red halter top and some jeans with some sneakers. She needed to feel a sense of normalcy and a boost of confidence, it had been awhile since she felt pretty. Gazing upon herself in the mirror, she felt like she looked out together but under the outfit and the makeup shined a worn-out Laney. Leaving Luna with the sitter, she grabbed her purse and drove to Nashville.

The once familiar and comforting drive was now a getaway drive from her problems at home. She needed this. She needed fresh air and a conversation. With Lauren being busy with trying for a baby and the kids, it wasn't surprising that she couldn't follow up with their plans. But it wasn't frowned upon by Laney, she understood the stress of it and the need to just unwind by herself after dealing with everything. It took awhile for Laney to muster up social battery to hang out with Jack.

Pulling up to Rosewood Cafe, her eyes landed on Jack who had been patiently waiting for her. His hair was freshly cut and he was wearing sharper clothes than usual.

"You look put together," she laughed giving him a hug.

"You look less pregnant," he laughed giving her a hug before sitting back down.

They were sat near the window of the cafe. His familiar presence brought her to ease as she realized there was no expectations from Jack. He brought up his new girlfriend and how he needed advice on what to get her for her birthday to the work drama that Laney once missed.

"Ana and I still miss you in the office," he reminded her as he sipped on his drink.

She gave a soft smile, "I miss you guys so much".

The late afternoon turned into the evening as their conversation took a turn to a deeper understanding of their lives. Jack seemed concerned as he pointed out that Laney was physically present but felt so emotionally distant, leading her to explain the situation with Morgan to Jack.

"I never imagined it would be like this," Laney said wearily as she took a sip of her drink. "I thought the tour would help bring us back to where we were but it tore us apart instead".

Jack nodded listening intently, "It seems like you feel more alone than before. I get it when the person you want to share everything with is suddenly gone".

Laney twiddled with the wedding ring on her finger. "Exactly. I'm taking care of Luna and the house by myself. It's draining. It's exhausting".

Jack reached out and placed a hand on her arm for comfort. "I'm here if you need anything. It's okay to ask for help Laney".

Laney looked up and met his eyes, seeing the sense of sympathy and understanding she had been craving for so long. Taking a deep breath of relief, she felt like she had lifted some weight off her shoulders. "I keep thinking of how to fix this. Our conversation ended with me saying I need time to think".

Jack nodded and took a moment to think before speaking. "I don't think it's about fixing. You guys have both been through a lot. I think it's about rebuilding trust and the connection. All the small things that matter are bigger now".

As they bounced back ideas from one another, Laney truly felt like she gained insight and clarity on her situation. She felt like she had mentally taken a step forward on what to do. Finding herself laughing at them reminiscing about when they first found liquor in the workplace on their nights out, she was happy. It was a genuine laugh coming out of her mouth.

"I'm going to miss you," Jack hugged her.

"I'm going to miss you too. I need to meet your girlfriend soon," she smiled giving him a hug.

Driving back home, she found herself smiling and listening to music. She was missing feeling happy but today helped her more than before. She wasn't dreading going back to the house and she didn't find it restricting anymore.

After paying the sitter, Laney crept into the nursery and peeked at Luna sleeping peacefully in her crib. Pouring herself a small glass of wine, Laney slipped into her silk two-piece pajamas. Lighting a candle to make the bedroom smell better rather than spraying his cologne, she felt the tension alleviate from her head. This was what she needed.

Watching Suits, she munched on some bread with olive oil intensely. Hearing her phone ring, she looked at the time, 10:30. The timing was strange to her, but once she looked at her phone, she felt her heart drop somewhat.