Manage Me

I chewed on my lip, staring at the ceiling with Jack’s arms wrapped tightly around me the next morning. I don’t know what I had been thinking the night before when I had agreed to give a relationship with Jack a chance. Obviously, things would never work out between us and now I was not only fresh out of a job and home, I was going to end up hurting the one person, other than Kade and Lily, who actually made me happy.

I sighed, turning on my side to stare out one of the glass windows. The sun was just breaking over the horizon, shades of pink and orange painting the sky. Jack squeezed and then released me, his breath coming out in a whoosh against my neck. I glanced over my shoulder against him, my brain filling with confusing thoughts all over again. The sound of my phone cut through the silence and I snatched it quickly before Jack could wake up. Carefully, I maneuvered my way out of Jack’s grip and out into the yard.

“Hello?”

“You never called last night.” I nearly slapped myself at my mother’s words.

“Shit. I’m so sorry, Mom. I just forgot.” I heard Kade’s cry in the background and my heart wrenched.

“Well that’s just wonderful, Kathrine. You spent your night doing God only knows what while I was awake with your sick son waiting for you to call.”

“Kade’s sick?” I began biting my nails, worry flooding my system.

“Yes. Not that you would know since apparently you’re too busy to even bother calling.”

“Put him on the phone.” I was too concerned to even be upset by her harsh remarks.

I heard her hesitate and began to open my mouth to say something when Kade began to cry for me. My chest tightened, my mother consoling him for a moment before handing over the phone.

“M-my?” He sniffled.

“Hi, baby. It’s me. My is here.”

“Myyyyyy!” He wailed. Tears sprang up in my eyes. “I want youuuu!”

“It’s okay, Kangaroo. I’m right here.” He didn’t say anything, just continued to cry. Every once in a while he would stop long enough to cough and then start back up again. I took a deep breath, trying to keep from breaking down. “It’s okay, Kade. I’m coming over. Tell Ma I’m going to be there soon, okay? Just tell Ma that I’ll see you soon.”

“Do you promise?” He croaked out.

“I promise. I love you, bug. I’ll be there soon.”

I ended the call before I could lose it. I knew Kade would tell my mom and since I didn’t give a flying fuck whether or not she said I could go, I wasn’t going to waste any time arguing with her. I tore into the pool house, forgetting about Jack as I began throwing clothes around in an attempt to find something clean to wear.

“Katie?” His sleepy voice startled me and I dropped the bra I was holding. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, uhm.” I stared at him like a deer in the headlights. His eyebrows were mashed together in confusion and I tried to think up a suitable reason for my sudden distress.

“Are you okay?”

“What? Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” I gave him a half smile. He didn’t look convinced and moved off of the bed to gather me in a hug.

“Katie, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I mumbled. “I just have to go do something, okay? I’ll be back in a bit.”

Jack released me but his hands cradled my head. His eyes searched mine, but I didn’t offer any more explanation.

“Okay.” He sighed, kissing my forehead. “Do you need me to give you a ride?”

“No!” His eyes widened at my alarm and I breathed deeply. “No, really, it’s okay. I’ll see you in a bit.”

I placed a light kiss on his lips before disappearing into the bathroom and pulling myself together. I forced myself to take deep breaths as I stared at my reflection. After finally calming down, I pulled my hair up and slipped into my clothing. When I left the bathroom Jack was back sitting on my bed. He glanced up and met my eyes.

“Better not let Matt see you in that shirt. I don’t want anyone else trying to steal you away from me.” He said with a smile. I quirked an eyebrow and looked down at my shirt. “He’s scary obsessed with Mickey Mouse. That’s why he was so excited the first time he saw you.” He explained.

“Unfortunately for him, I’m happy right where I am.” I told him, moving to sit on his lap. “But I’ll be sure to inform Lily.”

He beamed and buried his face in my neck. We just sat there for a moment, my head rested on top of his. Finally, I sighed and removed my arms, pulling away. Jack frowned at me, but let me crawl off.

“I’ve really gotta go.”

“Okay.” He pouted.

I giggled and held out my hand to help pull him up. We walked back to the house, Jack following me all the way through to the front door and even out to my car. I unlocked it and opened the door, turning to look into Jack’s eyes. They were soft, his smile warming me from the inside out. I placed a hand on his cheek and reached onto my toes to kiss his other one. At the last minute, his head turned and my lips hit his instead. It was short, but sweeter than almost any I’d ever had.

“You think you’re clever, huh?” I asked when I pulled away. A cheeky grin was etched onto his face and he let out a laugh.

“You liked it.” I bit my lip, blushing slightly as I ducked my head. He chuckled again.

“I really do have to go.”

“I know.” He kissed me quickly again. “Hurry home.”

I nodded and slipped into my car. He gave a goofy wave as I pulled away and I smiled back. As soon as he was out of sight I let out a huge breath and slouched my shoulders. My foot inched farther down on the gas pedal as I remembered the actual reason I had left. All Jack related thoughts disappeared. My son needed me, and he would always come first.