Jeffrey entered Matt's office and closing the door real slowly, he took a breather. He appreciated Grace distracting him for a second because he was actually really nervous about his meeting with Matt. After all this time. After all they'd been through.

He finally turned to face his biggest fear - rejection of his son. After all he left him alone when he needed him the most, but he just couldn't cope in the same space she was breathing before...

"Hey, Dad," Matt said, facing similar fear. Had they grown apart so much they won't see eye to eye anymore? He had no idea how much his father changed, if only.

"Hey, Matt," corners of Jeffrey's mouth yanked upwards in an attempt to fight away tears. "It's nice to see you again." His one and only son, the only thing he got left of her ... half her.

"Yeah, nice to see you," Matt said, and he meant it. He was worried about them coming together again, but he did not anymore. He couldn't even begin to compare how much his dad changed since the last time he saw him. He cleaned up good, got himself together, he actually became his old self again, not just a shell of a person. He was broken that was for sure, but he patched himself up. "Sit down, Dad. Can I get you something?" Matt remembered they were just standing there, trying to figure out what their status was at the moment.

"The nice lady is getting me coffee, other than that... I'm good, thanks." Jeffrey made his way to the sofa in the corner of Matt's office. It was nice lounging space where he could comfortably read or relax.

"You're so much better at this than I could ever be," Jeffrey motioned his hand around.

"It just takes a bit of determination," Matt didn't saw it as a big deal. His granddad made it his whole life, he was just at the beginning. Anything could happen.

"No, Matt. It takes a lot. Actually, it takes too much. I could've never done it and I'm glad Grandpa's work wasn't all in vain."

"Just please don't say what you want to say, I can see it all over your face," Matt gestured in front of his own face.

"What, you don't want to hear that Mom would be proud?"

"And there you go," he sank into the armchair opposite the sofa.

"I just want you to know that mentioning her is not off limits for me anymore. We don't have to act like she never existed, you know?"

"Duly noted. Jesus, how long it takes to make a coffee? Could've made you one over here." Matt motioned to his coffee machine in the other corner.

"It's fine. I'm not in a rush," Jeff reassured him.

"Good, that's good," Matt joined his lips in a thin line. He was kind of freaking out. Holy smoke, his Dad was back!

"So... how is your family?" Jeff asked.

"If by family you mean my kids... they are really great. I'm seeing them as often as I can."

"Which is not that often, is it?"

"Shit, she called you again, didn't she?"

"She still loves you, Matt. You've got two kids together for god's sake."

"I'm not talking about that. We arranged things the best we could. I'm not saying I don't want to spend time with them, I do, I'm just... I'm really busy, Dad. I'm running a business here. It's hard to balance it sometimes."

"I know, I believe you. Just maybe don't hang up on her." Jeffrey stayed calm, just trying to talk to his son.

"She doesn't need to remind me how incompetent I am," it was obvious how much it got to Matt. "I'm calling them, we're face-timing almost every other night. She just can't take I'm over her."

"I saw them couple months ago. She brought them for a visit. They're so freaking smart and perceptive."

"I'm glad you got to see them, I am. I just don't like her coming to cry on your shoulder. We're over that's all," Matt shrugged.

"She needs time," Jeff tried to explain.

"How much?" Matt asked clearly annoyed.

"Her own time. I hope to see them soon."

"We can arrange that, no problem. Just give me a call when you're set and ready."

"Will do," Jeff smiled. He tried to talk some sense into Matt but it was just like old times. Nothing could get through, except maybe...

"And how's the business going? What's up with that girl, Grace, is she one of your writers?"

"Oh, no, she's an editor. She's trying to write but she's not quite there yet."

"Perfectionist as always."

"Not backing up a bit."

"Hold that border. So you're sending her away to give her a lesson?"

"Just for a day or two. Thanks for reminding me. Have to get her a ticket and ride to the airport. The traffic will be nightmare at that hour."

"I can give her a lift. I know a shortcut or two." Jeffrey was thinking of ways how not to sit home alone.

"It's okay, I'll get her a cab," Matt waved it off.

"No, it doesn't bother me, really, I'm just trying to help out. Please, let me feel for a second that I'm doing something for this company."

Matt scoffed. "Okay, Dad, I'll just get the ticket."

A knock on the door finally interrupted their conversation.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Matt's office assistant said apologetically, "your coffee, sir."

"Oh, is this the coffee from the other side of this bloody planet?" Matt acted curious.

"Matt," his Dad actually scolded him.

"It took ages, just saying," Matt stepped down.

The girl knew better than to try and defend herself. It would just make everything worse. Matt had his way with words, there was no way around him.

"I'm sorry, won't happen again," the girl apologized and left the office.

"It's okay, don't sweat it," Jeffrey reassured her with a smile.

"Loose morals, Dad," Matt shook his head.

"Haven't changed one bit," Jeffrey laughed shaking his head in disbelief.

They carried on with their conversation and they had nice time bonding. They once again got familiar with their perks and quirks and at the end felt more comfortable sitting in the same room again.

"Just give me a call when to pick up your friend, uhm, Grace for the airport." Jeff said on his way out.

"Are you sure?" Matt really didn't mean to bother him.

"Just want to help. And get something on you behind your back." Jeff raised his eyebrow.

"Grace is not a snitch," Matt said mockingly serious.

They both laughed.

"I'm glad to see you're doing good, Matt," Jeff straightened his face.

"You, too, Dad."

And finally, what they weren't secure enough to do at the beginning of their meeting took place... They hugged.

___

Author's Note:

Awww, father and son brushing off the dust from the journey they were on. No worries, rain is coming soon and it will help even further.

But I bet you love the smell that comes after the rain, PETRICHOR it's called, just the same as the story Mgrimes01 is writing and among others, is dedicated to me as well. It's JDM story and you should definitely give it a go. I'm in love with it. Thank you, Michelle 💜

Bert and Grace are next, I know you can't get enough of him 😏🙂

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