Baby, I hate to do this, but I need you home as soon as possible. I need to talk to Jacob and I promise I will explain everything in the morning, but please please please just get on the earliest train possible and come home. I need you.
It only took Stormi a few seconds to respond.
Anything you need, baby. I love you. Please fill me in as soon as you can.
Fuck, how did I get this lucky?
After knocking lightly, I opened the door to Jacob’s room. The sound of sniffling in the dark broke my heart.
“Hey bud, can we talk?” I sank down on the foot of his bed, leaving the light off.
“What was wrong with her?” he whimpered.
I sighed. “Your mom just had a bad night. Grownups have those from time to time. She just loves you so much and misses you.”
“I’ve never seen her like that before.”
“That’s a good thing, and hopefully you’ll never see it again. Your mom has been through a lot over the last couple of weeks. Can you do me a favor?”
“Sure?”
“Cut her a little slack and don’t hold this one against her. Everyone is allowed a mistake from time to time.”
“But she’s made a bunch, hasn’t she? Isn’t that why I had to come here?”
Jacob was too smart for his own good. I couldn’t lie to him; he would see right through my bullshit.
“Not a bunch, but a big one. Don’t worry. Everything is going to be all right, and you’ll be able to go home soon.”
He sat up and put his hand on my shoulder. “Does that mean I’ll never see you again?”
“Kid, wild horses couldn’t keep me away from you. You’re stuck with me. Even after you go back to living with your mom, I will figure out a way to still be your dad.”
“Good.” He wrapped his arms around my neck from behind.
“It’s late as heck. Try to get some rest. I’m going to figure all of this out tomorrow.”
“Night, Dad.”
“Good night, Jacob.”
Stormi
I burstthrough the door at eight in the morning. Right after getting Cason’s message, I’d booked myself the last seat on the first train from Pittsburgh to New York. I hadn’t slept, and me being worried was the understatement of the year.
I peeked my head into Jacob’s room to see him sleeping soundly—t
hank God—then made my way to our bedroom.
“Babe?” I tapped Cason on the shoulder, startling him awake.
He grabbed me, pulling me into him as I climbed under the covers.
“It was bad,” Cason started, and then he told me the entire horrific story.
“What do we do?” I sat up, completely in shock.
He scratched his bearded jaw. “Fuck if I know. All I can think of is calling Cindy and asking for her advice.”