78 - Mama, I'm Coming Home

Jon glanced at his phone for what felt like the hundredth time since leaving the airport. Still nothing. Not even one of her silly smiley face things she would send. He knew she’d taken off. He made sure Vicky called him when they were taxiing on the runway. 

Was she still upset? Or maybe she was preoccupied with what she would find when she got there. 

Either way, he hated having to leave her to go by herself, even though she insisted she was fine. Maybe he should have put his foot down on that and at least went with her. Too late now for shoulda, woulda, couldas. He would just have to sit back and wait for her to land.

Not ready to go home to an empty home or an empty bed just yet, Jon took the next exit and followed the familiar street until he pulled into the driveway of the two-story colonial.  A large turkey inflatable decorated the front lawn and a set of pumpkin solar lights lined the path. Opening the screen door, Jon knocked once before turning the knob.

 

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and crumb cake filled his nostrils when he opened the door. “Hey Pop.”

 

His father sat in the recliner chair watching television. “What brings you here, Jonny? Ariana with you?”

 

“Nah. She had to go back to Canada, there was a fire in the bar.”

 

“Ariana, why would she be here?” Matt asked, entering the room carrying the baby.

 

“Hey Matty, didn’t know you were here.”

 

“Just hanging out till Des gets back. So, what’s this about Ariana?”

 

Jon looked to his father, “You didn’t tell him?”

 

“Not our place, son.” John Sr. stood and took his grandson from his father and left his own sons to talk.

 

Jon motioned for Matt to take a seat while he did the same, running his fingers through his still damp hair, “Long story short, for now. Dorothea and I are getting a divorce.”

 

“Ookay, so what’s this got to do with Ariana? Is she working for us again?”

 

“Not exactly. Ari and I are together.”

 

Matt's brow crinkled with confusion. “Together, together. As in dating? Love?”

 

“Both.”

 

"No shit, man. Since when?”

 

“Matthew, you watch your language when you are in my house.” Carol called from the top of the stairs. “Tell your father to bring the baby up so I can get him ready for bed.”

 

“Hey Dad....”

 

“I heard her. All of Port Monmouth heard her.” Their father smiled at them as he climbed the stairs.

 

Both men just laughed.

 

“So, you were saying?”

 

“Right.”

 

Jon told Matt about his history with Ariana and the troubles he and his sister-in-law have been having. He spoke of Lili and how what happened that had made him see the light, so to speak, and decided it was time to make right on the situation. The only things he left out were that they were having a baby and the reason he stopped by his parents. His payment for being an ass. No doubt Matt would wholeheartedly agree with that one.

 

“Wow, man, I would have never guessed this. I mean, I know you and Dottie have had your ups and downs, but you and Ariana, that is something I would never have guessed. You and her were always close. It kinda makes sense now that I look at it. How are the kids taking it?”

 

“Only Steph and Jesse know. They seem to be handling it well. We haven’t told them everything, though. Waiting for after the holidays to tell the boys, ya know, one last happy holiday.” Jon said with air quotes.

 

“How’s Dottie taken all this?”

 

“What do you think? She’s pretty pissed. The last few years we’ve been a little off, but I think it has more to do with who and how long.”

 

“I don’t envy you, bro.”  

 

The sound of the front door pushing open and the shrills of ‘unkee Jon’ filled the room as the little blonde headed girl with her father’s looks ran from the doorway and into her Uncle's lap. Jon scooped her up in his arms, “Hey there pretty girl,” they rubbed noses, “Hi, Des.”

 

“Tids ere.” She wiggled out of his hold.

 

“No sweetie, they’re not. Sorry.”

 

Hopping off his lap, the little girl scampered off towards the kitchen yelling for a cookie. Her mother followed suit, telling her just one because it was almost bedtime and they need to get her brother and get going. Matt took that as his hint to wrap up his conversation with Jon and get his ass in gear, getting the baby ready. He shook his brothers’ hand and wished him luck.

 

Jon said his goodbyes and disappeared into the basement. It wasn’t fancy, it had your typical rectangular bar along the back wall of the basement with a couple of bar stools, a few leather couches and chairs, a big screen television which hung on the wall came in handy for Sunday football and one of Mom’s home-cooked meals. The walls themselves were paneled in a rich wood, the same color as the bar. The floor in the bar was also a dark hardwood, though the seating area had a thick, soft carpet. There were several lamps on around the room, providing a comforting ambient light.

 

Stepping behind the bar, Jon reached for a glass, its short stem clinking against the wood as he set it down. Waving his over the neatly placed bottles, he let his hand pause when he came to the Jack Daniels. Sighing, he looked at the clock that hung above and noted the time.  

 

She hasn't landed yet. No bother looking at your phone.

 

Moving his hand, he reached for the bottle of Hennessy, though not something he would typically drink. It was perfect for tonight, just enough bite to take away the chill and a sting that would numb his loneliness and regret. Filling his glass two, maybe three fingers high, he slipped the stem between his fingers cupped its globe.

Sinking comfortably into the oversized chair, he set his head back and as the burn of the amber liquid curled his toes; he closed his eyes.

 

“Penny for your thoughts.” Her soothing voice startled him awake.

 

“Hey Ma. Matt, leave yet?”

 

“They just left.”

 

Carol rounded the coffee table from the other side as not to disturb his stretched-out feet.

 

“It was nice to see them.”  

 

“It’s always nice when I have my family together. Your father tells me Ariana had to go home.”  

 

“She did. I took her to the airport a little while ago.”

 

“Everything okay?”

 

“There was a small fire at the bar.”

 

“That’s not what I meant. Jon. You don’t just stop by unannounced unless you have something on your mind, do you want to talk about it?”

 

“I put my foot in my mouth, that’s all.”

 

“Did you apologize?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then give her time. Were you speaking before she got on that plane?”

 

“Somewhat.”

 

“Then you’re not completely out of the doghouse.  I’m sure this is not the first and most definitely not the last time you will be in there.”

 

“Thanks.” Jon smiled.

 

“Jon, couples disagree, fight, squabble whatever you want to call, it’s part of being in a relationship, I know you know that by now. It’s knowing when you are wrong and making amends for it. Ariana knows how much you love her, and she knows you meant well, let her be for a little bit. You know how you get, she just needs her time to think it through.”

 

“I know you’re right. She is just a little overwhelmed lately, and I didn’t need to add to it.”

 

“Well, don’t. She is carrying my newest grandchild. You best be on your best behavior, or you will have to deal with me as well.”

 

Sitting up, he set his glass on the table and hunched over, resting his arms across his legs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

 

“You forget I’m your mother and know what it’s like living with you.”

 

“Yeah, well Ari has seen me at my worst and has kicked my ass back into place more than once, but since Lili has died, I’ve noticed she is a little more emotional than usual.”

 

“Wouldn’t you be, that woman was the only mother she’d ever known. Add the extra hormone factor, like I said, you need to think before you speak sometimes. Remember that she is your partner and not a hired hand you could just dictate orders to and expect her to jump.”

 

Taking another sip, Jon flipped his phone over on the armrest and tapped the screen. Still nothing. The plane would have landed by now, if not, they should be just about to.  

 

Brushing her palms over her pants, Carol stood, “It’s late and I have an early morning bridge game with the girls. You are more than welcome to stay here.”

 

“Nah. I think I’ll go home. Thanks anyway.”

 

Carol's fingers brushed the back of her son’s shoulder as she ushered him up the stairs to the front door.

 

“She’ll call.”

 

“Night Ma.”

 

Carol watched as her oldest son pulled out of the driveway and into the cold and rainy night. It didn’t matter how old they were, now and then, children still needed the comforts of home.