While Bruce grabbed a quick shower, Judd talked to Vicki in the kitchen.
"Do you think I should have talked to Bruce about all this first? You know, before I said anything to you? Maybe, ask his permission?"
Vicki paused. "I didn't think about that. I mean, I guess it's a respect thing. He is my father, after all. How about I let you talk to him while I head to bed. You can fill me in tomorrow morning."
"Okay, sounds good. I hope it goes well," he said, a little antsy.
"I'm sure it will be fine. But I am his only child now, so be prepared." Vicki smiled. She held his hand and gave it a squeeze. "See you in the morning, Judd."
"Goodnight, Vick." She let go of his hand and headed towards the staircase.
Judd poured a cup of coffee for him and Bruce to drink while they talked. It made him more comfortable to have something in his hands to help keep him steady.
Judd was putting cream and sugar in Bruce's cup of coffee when he came down the stairs. He turned and handed the cup to him as he sat down at the table. Judd sat next to him, shaking again. Bruce took a sip of coffee. "Ahh, that hits the spot." He looked at Judd. "So, did you two have a nice evening?" raising his eyebrows and taking another sip of coffee.
"Well, it, uh, was eventful to say the least." He gave Bruce the rundown of the first part of the evening. How Vicki was scared to be alone, he made dinner, and they had nice conversations. He paused before continuing. "After dinner, we had a more serious talk. I won't get into the details. She confided in me about some personal things, and she had a mental breakdown. She cried for a long time, and eventually made herself sick."
"What? Is she okay?" Bruce asked concerned.
"Yes, she is fine. Don't worry, I took care of her." Judd took a deep breath. "I will let her fill you in on those details when she is ready. And when she does, she may need some help. It's not pretty what she has been through." Judd said looking at his coffee.
Bruce fell silent. He had no idea she was struggling with anything. She always put up a front when around anyone. She always seemed so joyous. He knew that something was different about her when she returned, but he figured that it was just that she had been made stronger by her circumstances.
"Thank you for telling me. Don't worry. I will let her come to me." Bruce said somberly.
Judd nodded. He glanced up at Bruce as he sipped his coffee. He cleared his throat.
"Um, Bruce, there's actually something else I need to talk to you about…" Bruce looked at him, listening intently. "Um, its, uh…It's about me and Vicki."