12
LEIGHTON MITCHELL
I feel River’s absence every moment of every day. We text and talk and FaceTime as much as possible, but it’s only a tiny bandage for a gaping wound.
My heart aches for him. And so does my body.
He’s been gone for four weeks. A whole month. Feels like a year.
I try to fill the empty days with things to take my mind off of his absence. Diane sometimes comes to stay with Scarlett so Claudia and I can go to lunch or shop, but it’s only a temporary distraction. My mind always goes back to him.
I’ve been naughty, buying some pieces of sexy lingerie to wear for River when he comes home. At least I hope I get to wear it for him. Being apart for so long could change everything. He may have forgotten the sweet kisses that we shared when another woman is standing in front of him, prepared to give him anything he wants.
I can’t go through that again. I’d prefer to never feel love if it’s going to end in that kind of agony.
My phone alerts me to an incoming call. Hard to believe that my heart still sputters when I see River’s name on my phone. “Look, Scarlett. It’s Daddy.”
She’s sitting on my lap, sucking her index and middle fingers—something new that she’s been doing lately.
“Hey Daddy.” I hold Scarlett’s wrist and wave her hand at the phone.
He chuckles. “Hey baby girl. How is Daddy’s princess today?”
“Our angel has been tugging on her left ear for a couple of days. I suspect that she could be getting an ear infection. She hasn’t been cranky, so I don’t think she’s having pain. It could be nothing so I’m going to give it another day and see what happens before I call to make an appointment with the doctor.”
“She doesn’t look unhappy.”
I hold the phone so River can get a better look at her. “Tell Daddy that you’re always happy, even when you don’t feel good, because you’re the best baby ever.”
“Oh, I’m very aware that she’s the best baby ever.”
“She’s sleepy. I kept her up because I knew you’d be calling.”
“I’m sorry it’s later than usual.”
“What city are you in tonight?” They move from one city to the next so quickly that I can’t keep up.
“Atlanta tonight. I go on stage in an hour.”
“Where’s the next show?
“Memphis on Saturday night.”
“At least you get a small break.”
“A day and a half isn’t a break when you’re on the road driving.”
“Well, it’s better than back-to-back nights like you’ve been doing.” River is exhausted. I hear it in his voice every time we talk. I see it on his face when we FaceTime. “A good manager doesn’t do that.”
“One more month, Leighton. All I’ve got to do is stick it out a little longer, and then I’ll be home with you and Scarlett.”
“I know, but I’m ready for you to come home now.” More than he knows. I miss him like crazy.
“I’m ready too.”
His eyes leave the camera, and I can tell that he’s looking at the doorway of his bedroom. I may not have ever set foot on his bus, but we’ve been FaceTiming long enough for me to know the complete layout.
“Hold on a minute.”