The Fourth Catch

Chapter 19: A Little Persuasion

"Where is Victoria?" Brian asked after him and Levi visited awhile. Jonathan had been awake now for a couple of hours. "She is working at the hospital then she is going to go over to meet Melanie. Since things have been busy, the two girls decided to try and get together once a week so they can visit. There was a period of time shortly after the babies were born we didn't get to chat as often as we would've liked. They also get together with a few of the girls at work now too. When Rachel and Audrey can get away."

Brian nodded his head. "When Melanie came to us back when Beth was first born. I did learn she no longer works at the hospital. I found it surprising because as long as I remember, it was something she's always wanted to do." Levi took a deep breath. He wasn't sure how much to explain to Brian. Once again, it was a discussion he thought Melanie should talk through with Brian. Though he was very aware Melanie took time to actually tell them things. It took Victoria to practically spy in order to find out what was going on in Melanie's mind.

"Yes, that is true. She hasn't been back since before Beth was born. Even though she was offered her spot back on the team. Melanie said it was best she stayed at home to help take care of her daughter, since they didn't have anyone else at the moment to watch her." Brian stayed quiet for a few minutes as he let his thoughts run wild. He still didn't know what truly happened. Melanie told him it was because some nurses had to be let go and since she was expecting Beth soon, she agreed to be one of them. But not going back to work wasn't like his daughter.

"I don't suppose you could tell me what happened?" Brian asked. Levi looked hesitant at the question. He didn't want to be in trouble with Melanie if she didn't want to reveal the reasoning to others. "I am not sure I would be comfortable to tell that. It should be a topic for Melanie to discuss if she wants to." Levi stated. He hated to possibly ruin the progress he made with Brian. Levi didn't want him mad. But he hoped Brian would understand.

Brian nodded. "Of course.. You know, you aren't all that bad. You seem like you and Victoria are very good friends Levi. I appreciate that especially with what Melanie has gone through." Levi stared at the other man a bit shocked at his words. He wasn't expecting Brian to say those words so soon. Which got Levi nervous. Because he had yet to reveal his plans for the later evening to involve Anthony. Brian most certainly was going to change his mind afterwards.

Levi cleared his throat which got a raised eye from Brian. "Thank you.. We certainly do our best to help if we can. Melanie didn't want any help at first from us or anyone. She wanted to leave Memphis completely to start somewhere new. So she could forget what happened. Victoria wouldn't let her." Brian nodded. "My daughter, I am afraid got the stubbornness from me. Her mother has a hint of it as well." He smirked. "But don't tell them I said that." Levi laughed slightly. Taking a sideways glance at his son who was on the living room floor playing with his toys. "Don't worry, the secret is safe with me."

"I am impressed you managed to get Melanie to stay. Usually when my daughter makes up her mind, there's no changing it." Levi grinned. "Oh trust me, we have slowly begun to figure that out. Though I think Victoria can be more stubborn. There are times it seems she can get Mel to do stuff others wouldn't be able to." Brian glanced at Levi with a questioning look. "Oh?" Levi chuckled. "Mhmm. For instance, getting her to stay in Memphis." Brian smirked. "Perhaps you are right on that one. If she would've been with us, I don't think she would've stayed. She would've gotten the hell out of there." Levi nodded, going quiet for a moment as he watched his son play with some trucks.

"So, what do you have planned for this evening?" Brian asked as it had been silent for awhile. "Victoria will be back in time to take Jon. I thought we could head downtown to the bar. It's not far from here, we could walk. There's some basketball teams on tonight we could go there for awhile." Brian seemed hesitant at the fact. He wouldn't mind staying at the house and just visit as they'd been doing. Brian would like to see his daughter and Beth at some point too while he was here. The problem was, he wanted to try to find a time Anthony worked, so it could be just the three of them.