“Lucky might not be the right word.” Jessie chuckled as they unlocked the car door. “But yes a pitbull, I was doing an exam and I must have ticked him off because he kicked me right in the nose and eye with his back leg. Try exposing that to the emergency room staff.” It was still a story that many of her own staff laughed and teased her about.
Jessie started Charlie’s car, backing out of her driveway and heading towards the restaurant. Once she was on the main road, Jess reached over and found Charlie’s free hand and laced their fingers as she drove. “Oh poor Forrest. It’s a little scary for adults, I can’t imagine for a kid.” She let go of his hand, running it briefly over his hair before finding his hand again. “Lizzie has officially entered her terror threes stage. She gave me such a hard time today.” Jessie sighed, glancing over at Charlie for a second. “I don’t know how you do it with two kids.”
“I love your work stories, animals are so much more interesting than up and coming boxers. I don’t want t feed into the stereotype that we’re all idiots, but it’s hard to find a conversationalist anywhere in my part of the gym, myself included.” He relaxed into his passenger seat, he felt bad that he wasn’t going to be the best date tonight, but now that he had let his guard down he realized just how unwell he was feeling. It wasn’t unexpected, a broken face bone, some painkillers and the fact that he hadn’t eaten all day were the perfect storm for a headache and an upset stomach, he pushed through it though, as he’d been missing Jessie and was looking forward to have some adult interaction with an adult who wasn’t trying to punch him.
Charlie smiled and squeezed her hand back, he was happy with her, even if he felt guilty for moving on after losing Ellie, but he knew she would want him to. “Yeah, I’ve looked the same his entire life, I think it’s just a little much for him. He’s a sweetheart, but he gets overwhelmed so easily these days...I’m sure I’m babying him, but it’s hard not to.” He was quiet for a moment and then smiled, “She’s just testing you, I remember when Dean was that age...the kid was on my last nerve for weeks at a time. It’s tough , but if you stand your ground and be consistent and and you’ll be fine.” He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek, trying not to wince as the sore side of his face touched hers, “I have complete faith in you. You’re doing an amazing job and giving Lizzie and amazing life, don’t sell yourself short.”











