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“You got promoted to Watch commander?” Joy asks and there’s a hint of pride in her voice. “I’m sure you are a wonderful leader.” Tim smiles and looks towards the living room where he knows Lucy is waiting for him. He told her it would be quick, and then they started talking and it felt good. It felt good to finally open up to his mom for the first time in forever.
“I did.” Tim says. “Lucy says I’m doing a good job. It’s hard but—”
“Lucy.” Joy muses. “She seems pretty great. How did you two meet?” Tim takes a deep breath because other than talking about sports, Lucy is one of his favorite subjects to talk about.
“She was actually my rookie.” Tim says. “But nothing happened between us until years later.”
“So you have known her for quite some time.” Joy says. “That’s nice. She seems to know you too.”
“She does.” Tim says. “She has been there for me since the beginning. Isabel—the divorce. Dad. I tried to push her away but she was always there. She always showed up for me. She has always been in my corner.”
“And you have always been in hers.” Joy says. “I see the way you look at her tummy. You don’t have to tell me how you feel about her.”
“I love her.” Tim says and he takes another deep breath. He doesn’t want to upset his mom, but after their first talk… he knows he needs to get over that. He was already opening up more with Lucy, he knows she’s not the only one in his life who deserves it. “I messed up. I broke her heart and walked away. But she still stuck with me, she gave me space and she let me figure it out.”
“Oh Timmy.” Joy mutters. Tim straightens up a little. “I know what it’s like to walk away from someone you love.” The statement hangs in the air and Tim swallows a little. He doesn’t want to get emotional like he did the other night. He just wants his mom to know he’s healing, he’s healing for himself and for Lucy.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about her.” Tim says. “It’s silly really. She’s one of my favorite people. I just didn’t want you to be upset about—”
“Tim, you have been a protector since you were little. You protected me and your sister. You protected everyone who you have loved. I get it. I understand. I know stuff happens. I know no one is perfect.” She says and her voice is gentle and soft like it was when he had a bad dream when he was little and she would come in to comfort him. The best that she could.
“I’m certainly not perfect.” Tim says. “Lucy is the one who convinced me to make this call. To make it right.”
“I know.” Joy says. “She’s a great girl. I really like her Timmy. And she makes you happy?”
“Very happy.” Tim says. “I don’t think I have ever been happier.” Joy makes a soft noise over the phone, and Tim closes his eyes briefly. He pictures Lucy on the couch waiting for him. But he’s not quite done talking about his girlfriend.
The love of his life.
“Lucy was kidnapped by a serial killer.” Tim says. “During her rookie year, and I was out of my mind with worry.” This wasn’t the topic he wanted to talk about. The thought of Lucy in that barrel close to dead still made him sick to his stomach.
“You found her?” Joy asks softly. Tim sucks in a deep breath, and lets it out. He doesn’t want to go back to that day.
“I found her ring which she dropped and I found her. She—” Tim pauses. “She’s here.”
She’s here.
“I’m glad you have her Timmy.” Joy says in a matter of fact tone. “I’m happy you worked everything out.”
“It’s not perfect. I know I messed up again with not telling you about her.” Tim says.
“She understands why.” Joy says. “You are a good man Tim. She loves you despite everything. You are very lucky. And Lucy is special.”
“You are telling me everything I already know.” Tim says. “But yes. I know she is special and I’m not going anywhere. I’m not letting her go.”
“Good.” Joy says. “Now I know we talked about boundaries and everything. But I found this really good article about planning for your wedding.”
“Mom!” Tim says but he’s smiling and he feels happy . He’s going to say bye to his mom and go out to where Lucy is waiting for him.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Joy says. “I can’t help it. Do you think Lucy’s mother will want to help pick out her dress?”
“About that—” Tim says. “That’s for another time. We are just enjoying each other right now.”
“Okay.” Joy says. “I’ll check back in 6-8 months.” Tim groans but makes his way towards the door and out to the living room. He pauses in the hallway, and takes a deep breath.
“I gotta go mom. I’ll talk to you later okay?” Tim says.
“Okay Timmy.” Joy says. “You have a good night with Lucy.” Tim smiles and he knows Lucy is probably getting a little impatient. She wouldn’t interrupt but this did take longer than he thought it would.
“Okay mom.” He says and he looks up to see Lucy on the couch, her legs tucked underneath her. “Bye.”
The phone goes silent and he looks at Lucy, feeling so grateful he has her to help him through this. He’s not sure he would be able to do this alone. He is proud of himself for talking to his mom.
He is grateful for Lucy for encouraging him to go forward with the relationship and set boundaries.
He looks at Lucy who smiles at him, and he makes his way into the room. He couldn’t wait to talk with her about this.
Because that’s what they did now.
And he was so grateful for it.