Page 24 of Every Broken Piece
Damn you, Jack.
Me: Can’t say I’ve really thought a whole lot about cats
Tess: I’m thinking of getting one as a present to myself for my birthday
For some reason my heart turns over when I read this. I can practically feel the loneliness in those words.
Me: I think you’d make a great cat mom
Tess: Seriously? I hope you’re right
Me: Why do you think you wouldn’t?
I wait while the bubbles bounce, disappear, reappear, then disappear again for a long time. I wait and I wonder what she’s thinking and for the first time I wish I could see her face, read her expressions. What’s going on in that beautiful head of hers?
Tess: I didn’t have the best role model growing up
I suck in a breath, surprised at how much I hurt for her. So, whoever raised her was a piece of shit.
Me: I think any cat would be lucky to have you as their human
Tess: That’s sweet of you to say
I have so many questions and I want to ask them all.
What were her parents like? Does she have a boyfriend who takes care of her?
No. I’m sure she doesn’t. Tess wouldn’t be texting another man if she had one next to her and that thought just made me growl in frustration. Holy hell, I need therapy.
I’m getting in way too deep. I should be hoping shedoeshave a boyfriend. A nice guy who takes care of her.
Did I mention that I’m a fucking idiot?
Tess: Have you ever had a cat?
I drag my attention back to our conversation.
Me: No cats. Had a dog when my son was younger
I rarely mention Pax to anyone outside my family, but it seems safe to talk about him with Tess. My gut tells me to trust her and my gut is rarely wrong.
Tess: I bet he loved that
The fact that she doesn’t seem surprised about Pax tells me she must have already known about him. Knowing her she probably researched me when I became her client. It’s not like Pax is a secret. I just tend to keep my private life private.
Me: His name was River. He was a golden retriever
Now she has me thinking of River, and Pax when he was a young boy, and I’m suddenly nostalgic for times long gone. Raising Pax, working to build my company into what it is today, grieving the life I thought I’d have, were some of the toughest years of my life. I never knew if I was coming or going, butlooking back, those were also some of the best years ever. While I love and admire and am so damn proud of the man he’s become, I miss my little man.
Tess: River. I like that name
Me: Pax picked it. I never knew why he picked River, but it stuck
“What are you doing?”
I slam my phone face down on my thigh and twist to look behind me. Pax is standing by the steps. A duffel bag at his feet and his backpack slung over his shoulder tells me he’s home for the weekend. Probably to do laundry.
“What brings you home?” I ask anyway.
