Page 106 of Rebound

“Speaking of nuts,” he says. “My dad wants you to call him. He’s so distraught over this.”

I elbow him in the ribs and say, “Don’t call him that. Give me your phone.”

I hand it to her, and she calls my dad on FaceTime. He answers almost immediately. When he sees us, he exhales in relief. “I was so scared,” he says. “And I had to hear it on that damn internet. Seth didn’t even call me.” He runs a hand over his face. “I’m so mad at myself. If I was normal, I’d be on my way to you. I’m so sorry, Layla. Seth, you better not let this woman get away with this. She touched my grandbaby.” He goes on a rant for another few minutes before asking me how I am.

“I’m okay. I’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Good,” he says, relieved. “Seth’s sending a car for me tomorrow too.” He takes a deep breath and says. “I want to move to the city with you two. I’m so lonely here, and if I was there, I could have helped you. Don’t decide now. Think about it. I promise I won’t be a bother. I’m even thinking about getting a job.”

Seth opens his mouth to say something, but Pete speaks first. “It’s one of those stay at home jobs, and the VA office has been helping me search.”

“Work from home,” Seth clarifies.

“Whatever it is. I’ve started training on medical coding and billing. The VA is paying for it, and I think I can do it. I don’t want to be alone anymore,” he says. “Just think about it.”

Chapter 67

Seth

Two weeks later

Things went back to normal immediately once Layla was released from the hospital. She was given a clean bill of health, and she demanded that I continue with my practice and games, declaring we were not going to give Barbara any power over us. So, I took my wife’s advice, and we resumed life as usual.

Tonight I’m home as there’s no game. “Your mom gave me her chicken parm recipe,” I say to my wife while standing in the kitchen.

She walks in with Jasmine in her arms. They were taking a walk with Vickie and her boys so I could rest. She comes over, gets on her toes, and kisses my cheek. Jasmine follows her mother’s lead and kisses me too. Once Layla washes her little hands and puts her down, she runs off to play with her toys.

“Smells good,” Layla says as she opens a bottled water. After putting the chicken in the oven, I take a seat next to her at the island. I touch the back of her head, and when she doesn’t wince, I drop my hand. “I’m all healed,” she says.

I lean in and give her a chaste kiss. “That was to sweeten you up,” I say. “We need to talk about my dad.” I make a face, and she swats my arm. “He called while you guys were out, and heasked again about moving in with us. I understand if you don’t want—”

“It’s fine with me,” she says quickly.

I don’t know what I expected, but I’m not surprised by her answer. Only Layla would be so open and generous. I must have sensed that about her all those months ago. There’s no one else on this earth I would have chosen to raise Jasmine. If I only do one thing right in my lifetime, it will be choosing her to be my wife.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I’m gone half the time, so you’re the one who will be stuck with him. He can be needy, and he’s doing well now, but he could always relapse. It’s not like having your mother move in. Dad will be like another child.”

She takes both my hands in hers. “We’re family, Wakowski,” she says. “You took care of my grandmother when she needed it the most. She had the best care money could buy because of you.” When I open my mouth to refute her claims, she puts a finger to my lips. “One of the things I loved best about my childhood was having Gaga around. She died a few years ago, but my dad’s mom was great too. I want Jasmine to have that with Pete. And he won’t bother me. I like him, and if I can help him get better, I will. Maybe being in a new place with different people will be good for him.”

I stare into her eyes, and she looks back at me. I pull her off the stool and put her on my lap. After I wrap my arms around her, I kiss her temple.

“I know you worry about him being all alone. Now, you won’t have to,” she says. “And I’ll make sure he gets out. He can continue with Dr. Reynolds virtually or we can find him a new shrink.”

“You know, for a big-mouthed bully, you’re pretty great.”

She looks at me, and we both laugh.

“I’m sorry,” she says. I hold her closer. “I was such an ass.”

“Yeah. Good thing I’m so smart and saw past that. I’m sorry too,” I say.

“For what?”

“For not asking you out like I should have.”

“I would have said no,” she says with a laugh. “However we got here, I’m glad we did.”

“You would have, and we would have missed out on all of this.” I turn her to me and cup her face. “There’s no one else on earth I would want to go through this crazy life with. You’re kinda perfect, Layla Whorekowski.” She giggles at the name. “And you were really whorish last night,” I whisper in her ear.

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