Page 24 of For Fox Sake

He chuckles.

“Come on. We have to leave for camp in twenty minutes. Why don’t you go grab your lunch and the toy you wanted to bring for share time? I have to talk to Jake for a second about work stuff.”

Ari wrinkles her nose. “Fine.”

She trudges back across the street, grabbing her scooter as she goes, moving as slowly as possible.

I make sure she’s safely on the sidewalk in front of our house before I turn back. “You don’t have to come.”

His head cocks to one side. “I want to. She’s a sweet kid. I’m always down for parties and cupcakes and games.” He claps his hands together. “Now, what can I get her that you haven’t already bought? Or maybe I can grab something that would help you both. Is she outgrowing any clothes? She’s at the age where growth spurts happen overnight.”

“That’s too true. Do you have kids?”

“No, but my family runs a kids camp back in Whitby and I’ve spent a lot of time with the campers. They’ll arrive on a Friday wearing pants that hit their shoes, and by the following week, their pants are above the ankle. It’s kind of incredible.”

I hate asking for anything, really, but this is Ari’s birthday and I can swallow my pride for her to have some new clothes. I donated a bunch of her old summer clothes a couple of weeks ago because she’s outgrown them.

“She could use some new shorts and T-shirts. She likes superheroes and anything in bright colors.”

“Size?”

“Six or seven.”

He nods. “Things to grow into. Got it. I’ll see you both tomorrow then.” His smile is easy and bright.

“Thanks.” I start down the porch steps and then stop and turn back around. “I’m sorry about the other day.”

He’s on his feet, his hand halfway to the doorknob. His brows draw together in confusion.

I clear my throat. “The whole info dump all over you earlier this week. At the hospital. I didn’t mean to make things weird or uncomfortable.”

His face clears. “It’s okay. Really. Sometimes you have to let out a little steam or else you’ll get burned.”

I nod, turning on my heel. “Thanks.”

“I like weird,” he says, the words so quiet I’m not sure I hear them correctly.

I spin around, but he’s already inside, the door clicking shut softly behind him.

* * *

“Why did I let you have a cupcake before the party?” I mutter under my breath.

“Because you’re a sucker.” Ari’s giant eyes are sparkling even as I’m swiping chocolate frosting off of her chin.

“We need to change your shirt.”

Her hand lifts. “You know it will just get dirty again.”

Smartass. “That might be true, but what about the green one?”

Her nose wrinkles. “I can’t wear green to my party.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not a party color.”

“Of course. I should have known.”

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