Chapter 4 – Jesse
“I know that you have to do this, Scott and I think you’re such a generous man for doing it, but I’m worried. That’s all. I’m just worried that you’re going to get sucked back into the business and you’re going to be unhappy again. Ever since you quit, you’ve been happier. Are you really ready to go back?”
I was worried about his unhappiness more than I was worried about his state of mind. He was always upset when he working at his father’s company, and I didn’t want to see my husband that way again.
“It’s different now. Father has a lot of recovering to do from his last bout of chemo, and since the doctors are giving him a good chance of fully recovering, it may only be for a short time. I don’t know why, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“Is it because you don’t like working at the bistros?”
“No, it’s not that. I mean, I like being here with you and Glenn all day, but I need something more, Jesse. I miss all of the deals and everyone looking to me for advice.”
I could understand that. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to go from a high powered job like he’d had to the bistro. It was doubtless a huge change, and he was taking it rather well. I was going to miss him, because he brought the same intensity to everything that he did, but I was starting to see that it was something that he needed. He needed to run things, and although it would be hard without him, I hoped that it lasted a little longer than expected.
“Well, your father isn’t the only one who still has to recover. The surgery was just a couple of weeks ago. Why can’t you just wait a little longer?”
He chuckled at me and pulled me into his arms. “Would it be any easier if I took another week off?”
“Yes.”
My answer was too quick, and that had him grinning bigger. We both knew that it wasn’t true, but I was almost desperate to keep him away from that life, even if I knew I wasn’t going to be able to.
“No, I mean, I know that it would be easier for me if you never went back, but you have to, Scott, and I understand. I just… I don’t know. I don’t want you thinking like before. I love you, and I just don’t want you to get it in your head that you owe him. You’ve given your father more than forgiveness, you gave him a kidney too. I think you’ve done your part.”
“You’re the one who showed me what forgiveness could do. The way you’ve forgiven your mother was amazing. How could I do any less?”
“I didn’t give her a body part, Scott. Just know that you’re doing great, and if you want to quit, that’s okay. It will go on without you, and there is always the bistro that needs you too.”
“Are you going to miss me?”
I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I pushed them back angrily. I didn’t want to get emotional, but it was just par for the course lately. Who knew that being a mom would make so many emotions bubble up to the surface?
I nodded my head to answer Scott. He gave me a big hug, and for a moment I was feeling a little bit better about everything that was going on. I was going to miss him, but I told myself he would be back later.
“Have a good day, baby. You know I’m going to miss you.”
He gave me one more kiss before he turned around and started to leave. I watched him walk away with our child in my arms. Glenn started to get fussy, and I was sure that it was because of his father leaving. I know that I hated to see him go.
***
“So tell me about your day.”
Scott shrugged, and I could see the tension in his features. It had been a long day for him, and it had taken its toll.
“I don’t know, Jesse. It was just another day. I’d forgotten how much more pressure there was at Dad’s place. It was a little better without him calling all of the time with instructions, although I still have the board to deal with. They have never been my favorite aspect of the job.”
I poured him a drink while he asked about my day and Glenn. “We had a good day. Sales were crazy like they have been. I think we may need to open another place up. It’s like the city can’t get enough coffee.”
“I wanted to talk to you about that. Dad has some great ideas on how we can stay in the business, but pull out at the same time.”
I wasn’t going to hear about business anymore. It was our time, and although I’d made my peace with Jackson, it didn’t mean that I wanted to listen to his business advice, no matter how good it might be.
“How about we shelf that talk for a little while. Glenn is asleep right now, and I know that you’re in need of some unwinding time.” I handed him a glass of scotch. “Take this and go get in the shower. You’ll feel better once you’re out of there.”
Scott cocked his eyebrow and asked me if I was going to join him.
“Maybe.”
Maybe meant definitely, but I didn’t want him to know that. It had been hard to juggle work and home life with our sex life. We were both feeling it, and for once I just wanted the night to be about us. I waited until I heard the shower water go on, and then I made my way to the bathroom.
I took my time to get everything that I had on off before I got into the shower. I could hear him moving around in there, and I was happy to see his back to me when I got in. Scott was so focused on the water beating on his face and shoulders that he didn’t even hear me. I was more than a little turned on, and before I could stop myself, I was touching his shoulder.
“I missed you today, Scott.”
He turned around and his dark blue eyes fell on me. I shivered at the look in them, and I knew that he’d missed me as well. Leaning in for a kiss, I closed my eyes and let my lips do all of the talking. My hands roamed over his body as I did my best to calm his nerves. I knew better than anyone what kind of stress the man was under, but I also knew a way to make it all go away. All I had to do was touch him in just the right way and Scott was putty in my hands.
“I love you so much, Jesse. I wouldn’t be able to do this, any of this, without you. Knowing that you’re here for me when I get back home makes it possible for me to do what I need to do during the day. I don’t know how I deserve you, but I don’t want to even think of my life without you.”
“Me either.” It was all that I could get out before he was pushing me back against the tile and his mouth moved down to my neck.
The end for now…