The Gus Diaries

Part 146

Justin's Holiday II
 

“I’m so glad you boys could come over for dinner tonight. I’ve missed having you here. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to being an empty nester.” Grandma Jen smiled as she looked directly at Jeff and me. I noticed Jeff’s face start to redden and he looked down at his plate.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been staying with you when I’m in town. I really appreciate everything you’ve both done for me.” Jeff glanced from Grandma to Tucker and back. “If you’d like I could bring my stuff here tomorrow and--”

Grandma Jen cut Jeff off mid-sentence. “Of course not! I wouldn’t hear of it. I learned nearly two decades ago that a young man needs to live where he’s happiest and most fulfilled.” She looked directly at Jeff and then at me, her eyes filled with love and understanding. “And I can see that you belong with Gus.” Her smile was so genuine. It actually rivaled Pop’s when he was happy.

Jeff and I had gone to dinner at Grandma and Tucker’s the very same night I learned about Pop’s dilemma. I had spent the day with Jeff, shooting baskets and trying to brainstorm ideas to get Pop’s mind back on the people who loved him. Pop deserved to know he was loved unconditionally. I’m pretty sure he knew Grandma Jen loved him that way, and I had no doubt that he knew Dad loved him unconditionally. I had a feeling that if I could show Pop how successful he is as a father, how loved he is, it might hopefully help him get past the pain he was feeling about his own father. I can’t imagine either of my dads being sick and not wanting me to be in their lives. It’s an idea that fortunately makes no sense to me or my fathers.

Now I had to try and find a way to help Pop. To let him know how much I love him in a way no one else could -- in the way only a son could love his father.

Jeff and I had come up with zilch for a good plan and I was hoping our dinner with Grandma Jen might give us some ideas.

“Grandma, when was the last time you talked to your ex-husband?”

Tucker nearly spit out the spoonful of soup he had just put in his mouth. “Why on earth do you want to know that? Has he approached either one of you?”

My eyes widened, realizing I’d probably alarmed both Tucker and Grandma. She gracefully patted her lips with her napkin and rested her spoon on the side of the bowl. Then she covered Tucker’s hand with her own and he immediately sat back in his chair, seeming to release some of the instant tension my question had brought about.

“Is there any special reason you’re asking, Gus?” Grandma’s voice was calm, but I could tell by the way she continued to hold Tucker’s hand tightly that the subject was a hard one for her to deal with. “I don’t know if you’re completely aware of the situation, but when Justin acquired sole ownership of Taylor Electronics and placed Molly and me in charge, that severed any remnants of a relationship Molly, Justin, or I had with Craig.”

Nodding, I glanced in Jeff’s direction. He bit his lip, remaining silent. “I’m kind of sorry to hear that, Grandma.”

“Why?” Tucker’s tone of voice was calmer than it had been earlier, but it was apparent he was still on edge.

I knew I had to find a way to defend my odd curiosity without giving away any confidences Dad had shared with me. “Well, I think there are times Justin misses having his father in his life, and since the guy’s still living in Pittsburgh I thought there may be some way for them to meet and be friendly.”

Grandma took a sip of her wine. She slowly placed the glass down and shook her head. “Unfortunately I think that door has closed for good. I did try to help repair Craig’s damaged relationship with Molly. Those two had stayed in contact for years after the divorce, but he’s even turned his back on her. If I’m not mistaken, he remarried and now has a young son. Some of my old friends from our country club days filled me in last year. He speaks as if there’s no other family in his life and he’s happy that way.”

“Doesn’t it seem strange that a father can turn his back on his son?” I didn’t think before the question came out of my mouth.

Jeff looked at me. “Some parents disown their kids for a whole shit-load of reasons.”

“Damn.” I looked down and started fiddling with my soup spoon, embarrassed by my thoughtlessness. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s okay.” Jeff gazed at Grandma and Tucker across the table. “I was lucky to find two new parents who didn’t care who I loved. In fact, I ended up with a massive family I can barely keep up with. I’m lucky I can remember everyone’s name.” He chuckled.

Looking directly at Jeff, Grandma took his hand. “You do know how much Tucker and I love you? I know we have made it a policy to let you make your own decisions, but it’s because you’ve shown us you can be trusted. But no matter what happens, we’re always here for you, just like we’re here for Justin and Molly.”

Jeff’s blush returned, along with a toothy smile. “Yeah, I know, and it’s a pretty good feeling.”

Whew! I’m glad I didn’t totally screw up the night for all of us. Unfortunately, I was no closer to figuring out how to help Pop. The only thing I could think of to do next was a big risk but was worth taking. I do love Pop unconditionally and am willing to take some risks to show it.

With Jeff and Marci by my side, I decided to pay a visit to Craig Taylor and see if I could find a crack in his armor.

[TBC]

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