The Redemption(23)

“Mama, I love you,” CJ says, and I grab him mid-jump and snuggle him to my side.

“Come here, buddy,” I say to Neil.

He bounces to his knees and then drops to my open arm, which I close around him. I kiss each of their heads and smile. “I missed you guys so much. Did you miss me?”

“Yes,” they say in unison. Then Neil adds, “You were with Uncle Johnny on tour?”

“Yes,” I reply, wanting to reintroduce them to Dex soon hopefully. “And Dex, the drummer. Do you remember him?”

“He gave me the drumsticks.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I don’t member,” CJ says.

I rough up his hair. “You’ll see him soon and you’ll remember. You’ve met him many times.” I reach over and declare, “Ticklefest.”

After lots of giggles and catching up on their days while I was away, I start dinner. I want to make something that shows how much I love them, warming their souls while filling their tummies. I decide on homemade lasagna, which they devour, making me happy. We read books and then I tuck them in.

When I lay down in my bed, I turn on the TV. My mind drifts away from the match-making show and I think of Dex, wondering what he’s doing tonight. It was a travel day for them and no performance, so I don’t know if he’s going out or staying in and resting up. It makes me realize that I don’t really know him—his habits, his hobbies, his routine—at all. But I want to and this time I don’t feel bad for that.

I roll to my side and smile before catching up on the show, my nightmares a little less this night.





Why does a simple text seem monumental right now? This should be easy, I tell myself as I pace my kitchen. Looking down at the phone in my hand, the screen glows bright white waiting for me to type something. I feel like I’m asking Dex out on a date. Wait, am I? What seemed like a casual get-to-know-you-better plan has suddenly turned into a big date. Oh no. I turn my phone off, not ready for this at all.

Two hours later while lying on the couch, I kick my feet up on the arm and go to my message app again. This time I’m determined. I start to type: Hi Stranger, just wondering if… Ugh! Delete. Delete. Delete. Stranger? Really? Ugh!

Hi, hope you’re doing well. I know you probably need some down time when you get home next week, but I was wondering if you want to come over for a meal. I can cook for you. I’m sure it’s been a while since you’ve had food not delivered by room service. I’ll deliver it to the table though and all you have to do is show up. We can hang out, maybe play a board game with the boys. Tag is also a big favorite of theirs. Anyway, let me know.

I hit send before I can chicken out. Staring down at the rambling message, I’m so embarrassed. If there was a way to take that back, I would.

My phone buzzes in my hand when a message appears. It’s a lot sooner than I expected. Long time, no talk, Stranger. It’s good to hear from you. What day?

I laugh at the ‘stranger’ then type: You get back on Monday. How about Wednesday?

Dex: How about Tuesday?

I might be blushing that he wants to see me as much as I want to see him. Tuesday is great.

Dex: What time?

Me: 5 p.m.?

Dex: I’ll be there.

Me: See you then.

Dex: Feel free to text me anytime, dollface.

Dollface? Now my cheeks really heat. Me: Text soon, champ.

Champ!!! What the hell am I doing? He’s making me senseless.

Dex: Lol. Okay, champ is interesting…

Me: Ignore me. Just carry on with your day like that never happened.

Dex: I’ll try, but it’ll be hard.

My eyebrows rise up when I read ‘It’ll be hard.’

Dex: Did I just type that?

Me: You did.

Dex: I’ll forget about champ, but you need to forget about things being hard over here in Dallas.

Me: Now that will be ‘hard’ to do.

Dex: Are you sexting me?

Me: You’re the one sexting I believe. You started it first.

Dex: I’ll be happy to finish it too. See you next Tuesday.

Me: Another funny. Like C U Next Tuesday.

Dex: Let’s stop while we’re a’head’

Me: You’re right. Stop.

I laugh and set my phone down on the couch cushion next to me, but it buzzes again. I look at the screen and read: Just in case I wasn’t clear, I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.

Me: Me too.





Once again, I find myself pacing in the kitchen, nervous. I’m roasting a chicken and I don’t even know if Dex eats meat. How have I known him this long and I don’t know if he eats meat or not. I think he does, but it’s been a long time since we had a proper meal together. What if he’s gone Vegan in that time? I poke the parsnips with a fork to check for tenderness and then decide that I should make a salad. It’s a healthy meal all around and if he’s gone Vegan then he’ll have the two sides, at least.

The doorbell rings and the kids go running. I throw the fork on the counter and dash for the door, hoping to beat them to it. Dex knows the code to the yard gate, but I still want to be the one who greets him. “Wait, wait, wait. Let me answer it.”

The boys stop and let me in front of them. I take a deep breath and straighten my shirt before opening the door. “Hi,” I say a little breathless. I’m hoping he thinks it’s sexy. Though I was expecting him, I’m still caught off guard by how attractive he is. I waver a bit, grasping the doorknob tightly to ground me.