The Love of Jury Duty

Backed Off

"We should break for lunch soon."

I looked through the empty windshield at Mike and nod. My mind wasn't here today. I wanted to be home with Abby and Lilly. Things at home with Lindsey were disintegrating. She was getting suspicious and in turn I had to back off from Lilly a bit. Which hurt her and caused friction between us as well.

I was struggling to find a balance. My desire to stay with my wife through the holidays to keep from hurting her wasn't really working out. I was very unhappy and it showed.   The only time I felt happy was when I wasn't at home.

"Nick, are you alright?"

Mike was trying and I appreciated him more than most of the guys because he never judged me. He tried to be my friend and help me the best way he knew how

"Yeah. Let's go to lunch."

We headed to the brewhouse down the street and sat down. I sipped quietly on my beer and nibbled on my fries.

"Nick, talk to me. I'm not stupid. Something is wrong."

"Just have a lot on my mind."

"Let me guess...she's short, light brown hair, brown eyes, met her at the courthouse?"

"Yeah. Kinda."

"Yeah kinda!? What kind of answer is that?? Are you and Lilly having problems?"

"A little. I've had to back off a bit because of Lindsey. So that hurt Lilly a lot more than I was anticipating."

"How much have you backed off?"

"Uh...well, like twice a month."

"Wow. That's pretty significant. Why? If you plan to leave Lindsey in a few weeks then what is the problem? Look if you really care about Lilly and love her as much as you say then what's it matter that Lindsey became suspicious?"

"I just...I...you're right."

"Are you really going to leave Lindsey?

"Yes. I promised Lilly..."

"No no. None this I promised Lilly stuff. Do you want to leave Lindsey and start a life with Lilly? Yes or no?"

"Yes. I want that very much."

"Then stop hurting Lilly. Nick, it doesn't matter at this point if Lindsey is suspicious. You know Lilly has been through A LOT. Don't punish her because you want to spare Lindsey's feelings. Look, I like Lindsey. She's a nice girl and she's given you an adorable daughter, but she doesn't make you happy. Abby is not a reason to stay where you aren't happy. I've never seen you as happy as you are with Lilly. She loves you so much. Her son loves you. And I know that you love them both. Talk to Lilly. Please."

I sighed and continued eating my fries. I knew Mike was right. I'm always so worried about hurting Lindsey, but in return I'm hurting someone I love more than anything. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I lit up seeing who it was from. She hadn't talked to me in nearly two weeks

Hi

Lilly! I've missed you so much. Are you OK?

I'm OK.

Can I see you? Please? So we can talk and spend some time together.

I'd like that

Awesome! I've missed you so much. I can't wait to see you. I love you Lilly!

I love you too! See you soon.

"I can tell that was Lilly. You perked right up." Mike smiled