Page 43 of Shattered Dreams

“What are we? In junior high?” She laughed. “Do you need me to check yes or no?”

I glared at my brother and then felt Jo’s hand on my thigh under the table. I jumped, she laughed, and mom announced it’s time to dig in.

Sunday dinner was livelier, and I relaxed with Jo beside me. The only thing was, I missed the kids. My mind drifted, wondering what life would’ve been like if dad hadn’t been a drunken son of a bitch.

Would we have laughed at dinner? Would he have cared about what us boys were into? Would Cooper have left?

Once we’ve all eaten, Jo tried to help clean the kitchen, but mom shoved us out of the kitchen announcing Cooper’s turn to clean.

“But how did I pull k.p. duty?” He grumped.

“You’re the youngest. You know that’s how grandma always decided.” She patted his cheek and linked arms with Jeremy as they left Cooper to it.

I took Jo’s hand in mine and led her around back to the treehouse. “My lady.”

Giggling, she climbed up the ladder and crawled in. I followed her up. My mouth watered from seeing her denim clad ass. Then we stretch out on our sides facing each other.

“How ya’ doin’?” I brushed a few errant strands of hair from her face.

“This might sound silly, but being here with you and your family makes this so much easier to bear.”

“That doesn’t sound silly.”

She shuddered out a breath. “You ever keep a secret that eats you up inside?”

I shrugged and looked at her. “You mean like knowing my brother’s gay even though he hasn’t come out?”

“What?” Her jaw dropped.

“Or that it was Cooper who stole dad’s favorite beer cooler?”

“How?” Her face contorted as she processed what I said. “Yeah. Big things.”

“Orrrr …” I chuckled and moved closer. “How I think my ma has a girlfriend?”

“Richie? Seriously?” She giggled. “Based on what?”

“Her and Velma spend an awful lot of time together.”

“I bet they’re just enjoying being in their prime.”

“Okay. We’ll go with that.” I snickered. “But, I guess when the time comes and you know it’s right, then you can share it. But sometimes there’s things you carry alone.”

Jolynn

Not yet. I’m not ready yet.

Pulling my phone from my back pocket, I checked the time. There’s still over an hour before the visit is over and I can go home.

My palms felt sweaty and not because it’s summer. Being home. Being with him felt like I never left in some ways.

He’s so close.

I cupped his face and ran my thumb across his lips.

His eyes always reminded me of shadowed moss, which made me remember the first time we kissed in the woods. And his lips? The bottom one looked fuller than the last time I really kissed him.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and leaned in, pressing my lips to his.

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