Before I turn my car off, I mentally prepare myself for what's waiting for me. I only have to say a few words to Luke. Pick up Andrew, and we're outta there. Okay, I can do this. I put all my thoughts aside and knock on the door.
I smile at the soft yet manly guy who opens the door. " Hey, Luke." He stares at me for a minute, obviously annoyed, "Lib. I'm assuming you're here to pick up Andy?". " Uh, yeah.". " He's asleep, but you're welcome to wait here until he's up.". He gestures for me to follow him inside. I look over at our son, who is passed out on the living room couch.
" Wow. You really wore him out." I said, trying to make conversation. Shit, this is so awkward. "Yeah. It's called parenting.". He snaps. I look up at him, mouth agap, but decide not to say anything. I'm not doing this today. Suddenly, he seems to realize what he just said,
" Shit. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. Work hasn't been the best, so I've been a bit moody recently." Now he's rubbing the back of his neck. And for some damn reason, I feel sympathy for him. "Don't worry about it. It's fine. And I'm sorry your work life hasn't been treating you well." He looks over at me. There's sadness in his eyes. "Can I get you something to drink? Water? Coffee?" "Oh, I never say 'no' to coffee." I feel a smile creeping onto my lips. "Let me get that for you, then." I follow him into the kitchen.
I want to make friendly conversation, I want us not to fight every time I pick up or drop off our two year old.
A couple minutes pass before he hands me a freshly brewed cup of coffee. "Thank you.". I smile. Say something I tell myself. SOMETHING.
So, I say the first thing that comes to mind. " He reminds me a lot of you, y'know." Luke looks at me, a little confused. "Andy does.". I clarify. He smiles at this, " He does, does he?". "Yeah." Apparently, this is just as awkward for him as it is for me because he responds, "It's not easy being a single dad.". I can't respond: "Well.No.Shit." So instead, " It's not easy being a single mom.". I point out. " Well. At least you have your mom.". He isn't saying this as an insult. There's a softness in his voice.
But my mind completely goes past it all, "Well. You're just going to have to suck it up, babe. Because if I had decided to run away from all this, it'd just be you and Andy. You'd be a lot worse off.".
"Shit. You're right. I'm sorry for implying that I had it worse off. Because I'm really not complaining.". I sigh, " I know you aren't. I'm sorry for snapping like that. "
"I know I'm not the perfect dad, but I'm trying. I want you to know I really am trying and that I love Andy so much.". I feel more sympathy as he tells me this, and suddenly I'm saying, "I know. I'm trying to. And if it helps, I think you're a great dad.". I smile. He looks up at me for the first time, " You think so?". I smile gently, " I know so.". " That really means a lot coming from you, Lib.".
Holy.Shit. Luke Thompson and I are having a civil conversation for the first time in a year.
Luke smiles at me, " Did we just have a partially civil conversation?" I laugh, "We did." "Felt good.". He says, looking me in the eyes. Before I can get another word in, Andrew wakes up. Luke walks over to the couch and crouches, "Hey buddy. Have a good nap?" He ruffles his hair and tells him to gather his things, Andrew practically bounces away to do as he's told. Luke stands up normally and says to me, "He always wakes up happy after a nap. I'm a little jealous." " I know, I am too. He's always got a big goofy grin on his face.". Andrew bounces up to me and hugs me. I smile. "Hey, Buddy. Are you ready to go with me?"
"Yeah! I'm ready." He nods, looking up at me with his big brown, innocent eyes. "You be good for Mommy, buddy.". Luke says as he ruffles Andy's hair again. Andy and I walk outside to my car, hand in hand, and he gives Luke the biggest hug. "See you next week, Daddy." As I strap in Andy Luke says, " See you next week, buddy. I love you.". "I Wove you too, Daddy.". He says as I shut the car door. I turn around to face Luke, "Take care until next week.". He smiles at me, "I'll try. You um, you be careful.". I get into and start the car. " I'll try. See you.".
Andy waves goodbye to Luke as we pull off, and I watch Luke through my rear-view mirror, do the same.
YOU ARE READING
a second chance at us
RomanceLuke & Olivia (Libby) married young. They were married for three years. They have a son together (Andrew/Andy) who is two. Eventually, they got divorced and are constantly fighting. Unfortunately they have to see each other every week, when they dro...
