Page 86 of Forfeits

“She’s only nine weeks old, but she’s so good at using her litter box. She’s cute, right?”

The little ball of fur made a small mewl. Mostly black, with patches of white here and there, she gazed at me with benign curiosity. I gave her back to Lucy.

“We’ve got to go. Say goodbye to Granny and Grandpa.”

“Awe, man. I don’t want to leave her…” Lucy said, reluctantly handing the kitten to Annie.

I didn’t look at Annie. I knew she’d be trying not to smile, and I was worried I’d lash out.

“I know. But you’ve got school tomorrow, and I want to catch up with you. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Dad,” Lucy said. “But I was only gone for two days.”

“Don’t forget about Lilly,” Annie said. “You’ll have to come visit us more often.”

“I will. I promise,” Lucy said, in an excited voice that just about broke my heart.

“Bye, Annie.” I forced the words out and managed to sound relatively normal. I’m not sure how.

“Bye, Fletcher.”

In the car, Lucy looked at me strangely. “Don’t you like the kitten?”

“Lilly? Sure. What’s not to like?” I said, faking enthusiasm.

“I don’t know. You seemed kind of weird at Granny and Grandpa’s. Is everything okay? Did you and Aiden have a fight?”

My heart swelled at her concern.

“No, no. We had a wonderful weekend.”

“Oh. Good,” she said, clearly pleased.

I gave Lucy as reassuring a gaze as I could manage. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

She watched me after I faced forward.

“Okay. I don’t believe you, but whatever.”

“Lucy…”

“Dad. I know when you’re lying to me.”

“You do?”

“Most of the time. You’re not very good at it.”

“Thanks a lot.”

She grinned and put her sneakered foot on the dash. “I’m a much better liar than you.”

“Oh, really?”

“Obviously.”

I laughed, my mood improving. She was such a little shit disturber. I glanced over, and she was still watching me with concern.

“Anyway, Aiden and I had a great time this weekend. He’s a very special person,” I said.

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