Chapter 0661

The boys let me have my space for much longer than I thought they would – for hours, really. I spend a long time in the bath, simmering and calming down before I begin to sort through my thoughts. Then, when I’m calm enough, I take each individual issue in turn, piece by piece. In time, each of the thoughts takes a new route, becomes a plan.

Eventually I get up and towel off, wrapping the towel warm around me. But even then I don’t leave, pulling myself up onto the wide marble counter and putting my feet in the sink, resting my head against the mirror as I turn my plans over more and more, trying to see the flaws in them, trying to ensure that I pick the best route.

The only interruption is a harsh knock at the door at least an hour in – probably more – before the entrance cracks open and someone sends a cold plate of tacos skittering across the floor. The demand is clear in the action – eat, damn it.

I smirk, but do as I’m bid, getting up and gathering the dish. But I take it right back to my spot and eat quietly as I continue to plot and ponder.

It’s quite late, really, when I come out of the bathroom and head into the nook. The room is already dark, the boys in bed.

“Finally,” Jesse grumbles, immediately getting up and moving immediately for the bathroom. “Others need this space too, you know.”