Chief Casey Season 3: Balancing Family, Work and Friendships

Chapter 374 Part 2 - Antonio's POV

When I heard just how bad of a spot Matt was in currently, I couldn't help but feel horrible for him. Sure, I am Gabby's brother and I will always be on her side first....I couldn't help but also feel sympathetic for my brother-in-law. What I haven't been realizing is that...this may be impacting Gabby hard because she is the one suffering with mental health issues but, it is also impacting Matt almost as hard because he has no clue what to do and how to handle her. He doesn't want to be too hard on her. Yet, at the same time...he wants to be there for her.

"Honestly Matt, all I can say is first of all...I feel so bad for you. I didn't know how hard this has been on you. And here I am judging you that, you are suffering almost as much as Gabby during this entire mental health journey." Matt nodded and just looked down. He looked defeated and like he just wanted to scream or break something. He was worried sick about everybody that sometimes, he wasn't taking care of himself. Or at least, that's what it looks like. "Matt, when was the last time that you actually felt like you did something just for yourself?"

Matt then looked up at me. "The last time was what you walked in on." I laughed and nodded when he said that. "That makes sense. Did it help?" Matt shook his head. "It just felt wrong. To use my wife sexually to relieve stress that I am having becuase I am worried for her just sounds wrong when you say it out loud. Doesn't it?" I nodded and agreed with him. "Listen, let's not talk about this too much okay? I am not interested in talking about my sister's sex life." That's when I heard Gabby come downstairs. "Good because I don't want you to talk about it. That's private."

Looking up at her, Matt sighed. "We weren't exactly. It's complicated. I am just trying to get stuff out to Antonio that I don't want to worry you about." Gabby then sighed as she went to sit in his lap. Wrapping his arm around her, Matt looked up at her and smiled. Grabbing his neck, Gabby then leaned down to kiss him softly. "Do you need to keep talking to Antonio?" Matt nodded. "Yeah, we were in the middle oef a good conversation that I think I need. He's being something like a shrink for me and I am really appreciating it. I am saying stuff that needs to come out."

Gabby laughed when he said that and smiled at me. "Well then thanks Antonio, didn't know you had a license to be a shrink. Thought only Dr. Charles was allowed to do that." I smiled when she said that. "Gabby, you just go relax with Sylvie okay?" Gabby nodded and agreed as she got up. "I am just going to grab my sweats. Matt, we are going to stay another night okay? You obviously need time to talk to Antonio. So, we can stay here." Matt turn looked at me. "I mean, if that's okay with you Antonio?" I shook my head. "I think you guys need a night alone tonight."

Looking at Gabby, Matt agreed. "I think we do too Gabby. Just the two of us. A dinner date and time alone. Maybe you can do some pumping and then later, we can go home...get changed and have the night to ourselves? I'm sorry but, there's stuff that we need to talk about later. I am just trying to get it out to Antonio first so that it's not as fresh and raw when it comes out to you. I know it sounds weird to say but...it's easier if I practice saying it first so that I can say it the right way when we are talking about it. With how your brain is wired, it's more complicated for me."

That's when I realized something. That was why Matt found it so hard to talk about these things with Gabby. He didn't want to hurt her by accident because he said something that he thinks she will understand but instead, she's going to take it a way that he didn't meant. God, that must be so hard on him. To have to bite his tongue whenever he wants to say something and have to rethink what he has to say so she understands the right way. God, that is just horrible. No wonder they are having communication issues right now. This is horrible for them and their marriage. Matt must hate this because frankly, I hate this.

"Gabby, I know you probably want to talk to Matt right now but...I think right now, I need to talk to him a bit more. I think he really needs this and I want to be here for the both of you. Last time around, I took your side and I hate to say this but...I can't do that this time. Matt needs me to be there for him more too because he needs a sounding board. Someone who can help him figure out what to say so that you aren't offended when you are having private conversations together." Gabby nodded and agreed with me before looking at Matt.

Going to grab his hand, Gabby then bent down to kiss him softly. "Just promise me that later, we are going to talk about whatever you talked to Antonio about in private?" Matt nodded and agreed as he got up. "I am just going to take a minute with Gabby okay Antonio? I will be right back." I nodded and agreed, staying put as he walked away so he could (obviously) kiss Gabby.