Page 39 of Letting Go
“I’m pretty sure denial is a condition,” I tell Izzy, who nods in agreement.
“I agree, and it sounds serious. We will need to investigate. Daddy, I’ll see what kind of treats will help.”
“Treatments,” I whisper.
“Right, I’ll see what kind of treatments will help your denial.” Izzy taps her chin in thought. “I should have brought my otoscope, but I might have an extra upstairs in my room here.” Izzy wiggles down and takes off to find her toy medical equipment.
“She watches this cartoon where the little girl is a doctor for toys, so everything has a condition or needs healing. It’s fine except for the amount of Band-Aids I need to purchase on a regular basis,” Charlie complains.
“Sounds like she is doing really well then, if that’s your biggest concern.”
“I’m grateful that’s the truth, Walker. It’s not easy every day, but every day is worth it,” Charlie admits, and I tap his beer with mine.
“You’re a good dad, Charlie. She’s a great kid.”
“I agree,” Mama says as she places yet another tray of food on the table. “That girl is a delight, but so are all of my grandbabies.” She starts fixing plates for all of us, unable to just sit still and visit without keeping busy. Cece and Brynn both talk a mile a minute, updating me on their lives, soccer games, school, and what they think about every kid in their class that I will never likely meet.
“There will be a quiz later, so I hope you took notes.” Carrie winks at me.
“Don’t worry, I’m the smart one,” I respond.
“I sure hope so with that ugly mug of yours. You need something to attract a woman,” Sam says across the room.
“Excuse me, I did not have ugly babies.” Mama chastises him. “Plus, y’all have been confused for triplets more than once, so what does that say about yourself, baby?”
“Mind your mama, she’s right. We only have handsome men in this family, if I do say so myself,”Dad adds.
“Handsome? Yes. Humble? Never,” Carrie responds as we all laugh in agreement.
After Izzy returns with her toy medical bag, she examines her daddy’s feet, declaring he has stinky feet-itis. We all end up becoming patients of Dr. Izzy and her colleagues, Dr. Brynn and Dr. Cece. Unfortunately, all of us had some kind of condition, but most of the treatments just made us laugh, especially when Sam had to perform the hokey pokey for all of us as a singing frog.
My brothers and I migrate to the back porch as my phone vibrates with an incoming message.
Vivian
Hi Walker. Sorry if I’m interrupting, just wanted to check in and see how your trip is going.
My authentic smile is instant as I read her text. Her quick text lets me know she was thinking of me, which makes me very happy. After she received the second poem, my occasional message checking in quickly evolved to a daily occurrence. I may have some self-imposed restrictions in place for boundaries until this case is solved, but I fully intend to see where this goes with her once I can pursue her.
Me
Hey Viv. Never apologize for reaching out to me, unless it’s for not doing it more often. It’s good to be back in Texas, great to see my family.
Vivian
That’s wonderful. I’m happy you were able to get away to see them. How long are you gone?
Me
Just a long weekend, so I’ll be back Monday. Does Tennessee miss me already?
Vivian
… Maybe something like that.
Does it make me an asshole that I love the idea of her missing me? I will find a reason to be in Forrest Falls this week, but before I can figure that out, one of Mama’s cinnamon rolls hit my forehead. I snap my head up to glare at the offender. While I’m not sure which brother threw the roll, I know both witnessed the massive grin on my face as I read her text. “What the hell?”
“I think you mean who, as in who the hell put that dopey grin on your face?” Sam tilts his head, studying me.
