Page 54 of Keeping it Real

His mother’s evasive response didn’t sit well.

“What?Did he not have fun?”

She sighed.“He looked like he was trying to, but he seemed a tad off all day.”

Alek moved toward the stairs.

“He’s asleep, Alek.Sheridan has gone to bed, also.Let them be.”She patted the sofa next to her.

He breathed a weary sigh, then he reluctantly did as she asked.

“Finn and Sheridan have suffered a significant loss.You need to allow them time to process.It may seem like they are on an emotional roller coaster some days.Give them grace.”She rubbed the back of his neck.“You need to give yourself some grace also.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Jamie and Madison meant something to you too, Alek.Could it be that you’re struggling to come to terms with their loss as well?”

He jumped up from the couch.“Fuck no.They were lost to me years ago.By their own choice, in case you’ve forgotten.I’m fine with their loss, Mum.Perfectly fine.”He picked up his suit coat.“It’s been a long day.I have practice first thing tomorrow.I’ll see you in the morning.”

Alek wasn’t so much of a dick that he didn’t peck his mother on the cheek before storming off.He was too put out by his mother’s comments to notice Sheridan standing in the shadows of the laundry room, however.

Fifteen

“I’ve tried restrictinghis water intake at night.That doesn’t seem to do anything,” Sheridan told Aunt Eileen later that week.“And forget about waking him up to go pee.Once he’s out, it’s like waking the dead.I certainly can’t lift him any longer.”

“Oh honey, I wish I had the answers,” her aunt replied.“What does his therapist say?”

Sheridan tapped the speaker button on her phone so she could put it down while she switched the sheets from the washer to the dryer.

“Trent says all we can do is ride it out.The pediatrician has checked Finn for other causes, but nothing has come up.It’s been three weeks now.I hate to embarrass him by suggesting he wear one of those nighttime diapers, but I’m not sure what else to do.”

“Maybe the counselor is right and it’s just a phase.”

She sighed.“Yeah.But even though he’s very cavalier about it, I know it’s bothering him.He’s been very withdrawn and testy with me all week.”

It didn’t help Finn’s demeanor that Peri and Kirk left Monday morning.Even Alek could barely get more than a one-word answer from him before leaving on a three-day road trip.Finn didn’t seem excited when the Mayhem’s Monday night game ended in a tie.Of course, they’d lost the game in Minnesota last night.Sheridan was bracing herself for two sullen males in the house when the team arrived back in town this morning.

“Thanksgiving is only two weeks away,” Aunt Eileen said.“He’ll feel better when he gets to the warm Florida sunshine.”

“Are you sure you still want us to come?”

“Don’t be silly.Besides, your uncle is looking forward to the game in Tampa that weekend.”

Sheridan had forgotten the Mayhem would be in Florida for Thanksgiving, too.Claire had invited them to stay at the hotel in Tampa with them.Finn and Gunner had been talking nonstop about the pool.She prayed Finn would be out of his funk by then.

Her phone buzzed with a text that immediately had her heart racing.

“Aunt Eileen, I’ll call you back.Finn’s school is texting.”

She ran into the kitchen to grab her car keys and her purse as she ended the call.

“Please don’t be another asthma attack.”

It was only when she looked at the screen that she realized the text was from Miss Lane.And it was directed to both her and Alek.

Finn is fine, but there is something rather urgent I need to discuss with you.Would either of you be available to meet during lunch today?

Alek was already typing out a reply.