Page 58 of Four Letter Feelings

Chapter 23

Mom: I am SO excited!

Jeremy: I know, Mom. You’ve mentioned that fact once or twice!!!

Dad: How do you think I feel? She’s had these tickets for nearly a month. Her excitement has ramped up – exponentially – every, single, day!!!!!!

Mom: Did I mention I’M SO EXCITED?

Mom: I can’t believe it’s actually here!

Mom: It’s today, right? Today is the 12th… right?

Jeremy shook his head and chuckled.

Jeremy: Yes, Mom. Today is the 12th.

“Your Mom again?” AJ asked, as he stared down his now traditional game day breakfast.

“You have no idea, man. She’s like a kid at Christmas. She’s so excited. I’m not even sure why she’s so excited. I should probably ask her, right? I mean, she’s been to concerts before, but she always seems to get giddy over this band.”

“I guess it’s her favorite.”

“I guess so. Anyway, she’s texting me pretty much every thirty seconds, to tell me how excited she is.”

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, his phone dinged with another message from her.

“See?” he demanded, exasperated.

“It’s cute, and you did that. She loves your present, that must feel good. So… how was your first therapy session with that dude you found?”

“That was a terrible change of subject, Pim, and she’s a chick,” he said, picking up a piece of bacon with his fingers and taking a bite. “Don’t look at me like that, she’s old enough to be my grandma, or at least my aunt, I don’t actually know how old she is. Her name is Sheila. And it went… it went.”

“Hey, man. I totally get it. You don’t need to say anything else, I just want to make sure it went ok and you’re doing ok after it. Therapy can be really hard, but it can also really help. I know, I know.” He held up a hand to silence Jeremy’s protests. “You don’t need help, and that’s fine, I know you’re good. I just meant that it’s kinda nice to have an hour, just sixty minutes of protected time with someone who’s completely dedicated to just… listening, I guess.”

“Yeah, it was kinda nice. I’m going back next week. I’ll give it a month or two and we’ll see how things go.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me. Not every therapist is a good fit, so if you wanna change it up and see someone else, don’t let one bad experience convince you that therapy sucks or anything.”

“Yes, Mom,” Jeremy answered with an eye roll.

***

Mom: We’re heading in. The Chargers are going to the playoffs for sure, and playing like this, they’re gonna win! Kick butt out there tonight, kiddo! And don’t drink too much, it’s a school night, love you x

Jeremy rolled his eyes as he read his Mom’s message. She’d sent it while he was on the ice and he typed a quick reply saying he hoped she was enjoying the show, before starting the car and heading home. AJ had stayed behind after practice to talk to Coach and told Jeremy he’d meet him at the bar later. Jer figured he’d drop the car at home, and have a quick bite to eat before heading to the bar, but when he spotted Wendy’s he opted for spicy chicken nuggets on the way home, instead.

As he walked into the bar, he found himself regretting chowing down on the second box of nuggets he’d bought to share with AJ when they got home after a night on the town. His stomach gurgled and he felt the unfamiliar pang of heartburn in his chest.

“You got any milk?” he asked the bartender.

“Milk?” he repeated, clearly confused.

Jeremy pointed at his chest. “Heartburn.”

“Ah. Sure, hold on.” The bartender nodded sympathetically and disappeared through a door for a moment before bringing back a tall glass of milk.

“Thanks, man. You’re a life saver.” He chugged the glass of milk and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand when he’d finished.

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