Page 2 of In Too Deep

She clears her throat, then replies, “As good as can be.”

“You know I’m here if you need anything, right? I’m taking some time off and will be home for a while. If you need me to babysit or do anything else, just let me know.”

She smiles. “Thanks, Cole. I appreciate the offer, and I’m glad you’re back home for a while.”

“Can I play next to that tree, Mommy?” Harry interrupts.

Theresa nods, saying, “Sure, Harry, but be careful. I’ll only be just a minute.”

He runs off toward the large gum tree, and she steps closer.

“I need to talk to you about something important, Cole. Do you think you can come for dinner tomorrow night?”

Her eyes gleam with hope as she chews her bottom lip, her anxiety letting me know that whatever she needs to ask me is definitely something important, and it’s not easy for her to ask. But right now, I would say yes to just about anything she asks of me.

Without any hesitation, I reply, “Sure, I’ll be there. What time?”

“Is seven okay?”

“Sure, of course. Can I bring anything?”

“No, just yourself.”

I nod and look over at Harry, who is now trying to climb the tree.

“Be careful, Harry,” I call out, his mom also calling out, “Harry, get down from there, you’ll hurt yourself.”

Harry runs back to where we’re standing, his cheeks now red from his exertion.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night, champ. Seems I’ll be coming over for dinner.”

His eyes beam. “That’s great, Uncle Cole. I’ll get to show you my new Lego set Mom bought me.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, tousling his hair.

“Okay, Harry, let’s go.” Theresa holds Harry’s hand and smiles at me before they turn and walk to their car. She’s stopped by many people who attended the funeral, and I decide it’s probably best to go home but not before I walk to the hole in the ground where Keith now lies.

“Brother, I want you to know I haven’t forgotten my promise. I’ll look after them for you.”

I stand there for a little while longer, just in thought, and then as time goes by, I decide it’s probably time to go home and get some dinner.

Chapter Two

COLE

Even though Theresa asked me not to bring anything, I can’t go over to her house for dinner empty-handed. My mom would kill me if she found out. That was not the way she raised me. So I’ve decided on a bottle of red wine, knowing that Theresa likes her wine.

Standing at her front door, I take a breath before ringing the doorbell. Running feet sound behind the door, and I hear Theresa yelling out to Harry. “Slow down, Harry, will you?”

Smiling as the door opens, I find Harry standing there, his curls all messy and cheeks flushed. With a wide smile, he greets me.

“Uncle Cole, you’re here. Mom made lasagna. It’s my favorite.”

Crouching down, I say, “Is that so? Well, did you know it’s my favorite too?”

He smiles again, his eyes widening.

“Really?” Harry looks over his shoulder at his mom. “Did you hear that, Mom? Uncle Cole loves lasagna too.”

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