(All of this concerns a valiant attempt to make like easier for Lochlan. An attempt to give him legal standing instead of symbolic. It would be better for him financially and as a parent. Overall it's ideal. But it's not ideal in so many other ways and would create more problems than it would solve.)
What if you did nothing? Backburnered it for later when things have smoothed out a bit. They move too fast, you move too slow. Just give it a little more time and then meet them halfway.
Batman's voice was full of reason. It showed no hint of taking sides or pressuring me one way or another. It just put out the fire and then offered me a good belt of Laphroaig, because it's better than the Lagavulin but still tastes exactly like you imagine licking a gravestone would taste.
(Peat whiskey is amazing stuff.)
I was taking a big old sip when I realized he was on the phone with Ben.
Oh fuck.
He walked away down the hall and came back ten minutes later. My sipping whiskey (and his) was in my belly five minutes ago. I figured Ben would be ragey as fuck but when I took the phone from Batman Ben was very concerned that I actually went over everyone's heads and consulted the supreme ruler of everything that we all deny is more of an adult then the rest of us and also more powerful than Caleb.
He asked if I was okay and I nodded and forgot to answer. Then he asked if I wanted to wait and work with the idea until this winter or maybe next spring we could, that he just figured I was digging in because of some misguided attempt to protect him and that I'm sweet but he's okay with it. And that if we wanted to celebrate our wedding anniversary when he comes back, we should because we missed it and seven years is supposed to be lucky.
Seven years we almost didn't make it to, honestly, because of this.
He apologized but said he was trying to make life easier. There is no rush. Lochlan won't be so happy but really nothing changes so he can't be too upset either. That Caleb will be thrilled and I could tell he was rolling his eyes in tandem with me. Then he asked if I would do him one small favor, right away.
I nodded again while I waited to hear what it was.
Go home, okay, Bridge? I don't like it when you're there.
Already gone. I pass the phone back to Batman and finish the last drop in my glass.
Batman wraps up the call and winks at me.
Feel a little better?
Yes, thank you.
Anytime. If you'd like to stay for dinner, I would love to cook for you.
Among other things. No, but thank you. I have plans with Loch.
Loch is working for me tonight.
Habit. Whoops. I meant Sam and Matt.
They went up to Whistler today.
I have to go. If I stay that would be bad. You understand.
Mostly, yes. But it makes me sad.
Not impartial at all, are you?
Not in the least.
