Chapter 503: Jamlyn

Thursday, February 16th, Night

After a long night at the funeral parlor, they came home. They packed in the driveway and headed up to the front door. He unlocked it and went inside. She went upstairs, and he walked into the living room.

"Hello, Eilish," James said.

She jumped, "Oh, wow, Mister Scott," Eilish said.

"Didn't expect me?" James said.

"No, usually Mrs. Pierce-Scott sends me off," Eilish said.

"She wants to shower, and as you know, it's been an emotional night for her," James said.

"I understand, Mr. Scott," Eilish said.

James reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He counted out a few bills and handed them to Eilish. She took them, counted them, and nodded.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Mister Scott. Do you need me tomorrow for the funeral?" Eilish asked.

"No, it's during the day so we would need you at your normal time," James said.

"Aren't you home, Mr. Scott?" Eilish said.

"Yeah, I'll be heading back to Miami next week. We want to keep the routine the same. We might be a little late tomorrow because of the funeral," James said.

"Okay, Mr. Scott, one more question," Eilish said.

"Sure," James said.

"When are you going to stay home?" Eilish asked.

"The retirement question, I get it all the time," James said.

"Oh yeah?" Eilish asked.

"Kobe retired when he's 38; I'm 33, so in the next few years, depends on contracts and family," James said.

"That sounds like a non-answer, Mr. Scott," Eilish said.

"Well, it's the truth right now, Eilish," James said.

"Yes, truth is never clean, Mister Scott," Eilish said.

"There's wisdom in that statement, Eilish," James said.

"Well, I will see you tomorrow, Mister Scott," Eilish said and left.

James locked the door behind Eilish. He took one last walk around the house, shutting off the lights. He headed upstairs and looked in on his sleeping children. They were all sleeping soundly and peacefully, not aware of the family chaos.

Slowly, he walked down the hall to his bedroom. Once in his bedroom, he found Ashlyn sitting on their bed, in her robe. James nodded to her as he started taking off his suit.

"Everything is set with Eilish?" Ashlyn asked.

"Yes, she's paid and left. She'll be watching the kids while I'm here," James said.

"Yeah," Ashlyn said.

"What's wrong, Ash?" James asked.

"I thought about my dad, Joplin, and AB," Ashlyn said.

"What about them?" James asked.

"My parents are old, raising Joplin and AB," Ashlyn said.

James nodded, "Your dad is how old?" he asked.

"Seventy," Ashlyn said.

James nodded, "Yeah, the kids are what ages?" he asked.

"Joplin is nine, and AB is the twins' age," Ashlyn said.

"That's going to rough for him," James said.

"Especially without my mom," Ashlyn said.

James finished getting undressed and changed into shorts and a shirt to sleep in. "What are you thinking, Ash?" James asked.

"It's just a thought, but my dad is old, and the kids are so young," Ashlyn said.

"What are you getting at?" James asked as he got into their bed.

"Just thinking since Joplin and AB are around the same age as our kids, that maybe, well…." Ashlyn said.

"Ashlyn just says it," James said.

"Well, maybe we could move my dad and the kids in here with all the room around here," Ashlyn said.

"Are you sure about that? Joplin and AB go to that private religious school. Wouldn't your dad insist on our kids going as well?" James asked.

"Our kids will not be going to that school," Ashlyn said.

"So, why bring them here?" James asked.

"They'll end up here eventually, and it's good for the cousins to get to know each other," Ashlyn said.

"Isn't your dad retired?" James asked.

"Yes," Ashlyn said.

"So, we'll give Eilish the boot?" James asked.

"No, we're keeping Eilish; if anything, we'll be paying her more," Ashlyn said.

"Are you sure your dad will be down with this, not to mention the kids and Brett," James said.

"I've not worked all that out yet," Ashlyn said.

"What about your parent's house?" James asked.

"Sell it or rent it to give my dad some income, especially with the expense of my mom dying," Ashlyn said.

"I don't know; I guess you should discuss it with your dad," James said.

"Yeah," Ashlyn said.

"So, are you?" James asked.

"Seriously thinking about it," Ashlyn said, "What do you think?"

James shrugged, "It makes sense, gives him a hand, and hopefully it will make our kids closer to their cousins," he said.

"Yeah, it seems like a win-win situation, but, well, I don't know," he said.

'What don't you know?" James said.

"If he'll go for it," Ashlyn said.

"Never know until you ask," James said.

"Will you ask with me?" Ashlyn asked.

"I'll be there for moral support, but you'll ask," James said.

"Okay," Ashlyn said, "But when?"

"After the funeral, that will probably be the best," James said.

"Yeah, you're right," Ashlyn said.

"Speaking of which, we should get some sleep, big day tomorrow," James said.

"Yeah, good night," Ashlyn said.

"Good night," James said; they kissed and got into position to sleep. Sleep did come for them, but it was a fitful sleep.