Page 74 of Billion Dollar Dispute

Cutting our moment short, his watch sounds again.

“We’ll let you go,” I say, grateful for the interruption.

“See you next time.” He high-fives Chad, and then meets my eyes one last time, softer now, but no less intense. “See you tomorrow, Betty Crocker.”

The name brings back memories of my dad. His favorite flavor was red velvet. Mom used to make the Betty Crocker cake mix for his birthday every year.

I watch Harvey jog away, unable to look away as his back flexes with each step.

He turns his head, and I feel a blush rise to my cheeks. Quickly, I spin around and usher Chad to the car. “Let’s go.”

“Oh, but Mom,” he whines.

“Next time, don’t tell me I suck, and I’ll play with you longer,” I tell him playfully, raising an eyebrow as I smirk.

“Harvey said you suck.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” I mumble under my breath. Looking at where Harvey left, I shake my head, wondering why he’s getting to me. This new friendship with a man is unsettling.

I send Danny another text to tell him I hope he’s okay and to call me when he’s ready. But I still haven’t heard back.

When we pull up to the apartment, I see Jade. She comes rushing over to me, her face full of curiosity. “Hi?”

“We went to this other basketball court today,” Chad announces, interrupting her.

“Did you?” she asks brightly. “Where?” Her eyes move to me.

“90th street,” I say.

“You’re a lucky boy.” Jade smiles at Chad, who bounces his ball some more. I wonder where he gets the energy from. I’m ready to lie down on the sofa and nap.

“I wanted to catch you because I got a letter meant for you. The postman must have mixed it up.”

I take the letter and don’t miss the top left corner address. The prison. Jade gives me a sad smile. She knows.

“Did you need some company, love?” she offers.

“No, I'm okay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I can do it,” I say, knowing I'm not okay, but I can’t break down in front of Chad. I need to keep it together, at least for him.

“If you need me to come over for a cup of tea or to take the little man, just call me.”

“Thanks, Jade,” I say, gently squeezing her arm. I hope she can hear how grateful I am. People like her remind me of the good in this world.

As we climb the stairs, Chad chatters away. I hum when needed, but otherwise, my head doesn’t know what to do. My thoughts are all messed up from the letter that’s burning a hole in my hand. Do I open it now or wait until Chad’s gone to sleep?

I go for the latter.

I cut up some fruit for him, but the unknown contents of the letter eat at me. Unable to wait anymore, I tear it open and read.

Jem,

How are you? Sorry it took me so long to write to you.

While I’ve been in here, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect. My choices were selfish, and I miss our times together. I’ve been working out and reading. I’ve also been going to counselling to work on my inner self. I regret my choices.

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