Page 118 of All of Me

I slow as we turn onto her street, the familiar white house coming into view. Everything looks the same, the porch light off, her car parked neatly in the driveway, but something unexpected catches my attention.

There’s someone sitting on the porch with her.

It only takes a second to recognize him. Will.

He’s stretched out on the porch swing, one leg propped up on the edge, his ball cap tipped low over his eyes. Sabrina’s sitting beside him, her arms crossed, her posture stiff and defensive.

Callie leans forward slightly, squinting as we pull closer. “Is that Will?” she asks, her voice laced with curiosity.

“Sure is,” I mutter, slowing as I pull into the driveway.

As soon as the van stops, Barrett pipes up from the back. “Why’s Uncle Will sitting with Mom? Did he break something?”

Callie stifles a laugh, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Not this time,” I say, sliding out of the driver’s seat and moving to the side door. “I think he’s just… visiting.”

Barrett wrinkles his nose as I unbuckle him. “Mom doesn’t like visitors,” he says confidently.

“She might like this one,” Callie murmurs under her breath, but I pretend not to hear her.

Sabrina stands as we approach the steps, her eyes immediately softening as they land on Barrett. “Hey, bud,” she says, her voice warm.

“Hi, Mom,” Barrett replies, bounding up the steps to hug her. “Did Uncle Will break anything?”

Sabrina sighs, giving Will a pointed look. “No, he didn’t break anything,” she says, though her tone is clipped.

Will leans forward on the swing, his smirk firmly in place. “I’m just lending a hand, Klein,” he says casually, tipping his hat.

“What kind of hand?” Barrett asks, peering up at him.

“A neighborly one,” Will says with exaggerated patience, ruffling Barrett’s hair.

Barrett shrugs. “Mom doesn’t like neighbors either.”

Callie snorts, biting back her laughter as Sabrina gives Barrett a look. “Why don’t you go inside and wash up? I’ll be right there.”

Barrett pauses, glancing between me and Sabrina. “If Uncle Will needs a screwdriver, it’s in the junk drawer,” he announces before running inside.

As the screen door slams shut, Callie finally lets out a laugh. Sabrina pinches the bridge of her nose, clearly trying to maintain her composure.

“Well,” I say, glancing between her and Will. “This has been… informative.”

“Relax, Klein,” Will says, grinning. “Just helping out a friend.”

Sabrina’s glare could melt steel, but there’s a faint blush creeping into her cheeks.

Callie shifts Ruby on her hip, her eyes sparkling with barely concealed mischief. “Thanks for keeping Sabrina company,” she says lightly.

Will tips his hat to her. “Anytime, Mrs. Klein.”

I raise an eyebrow but keep my thoughts to myself. “Alright,” I say, turning back toward the van. “We’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Uncle Will!” Sara chirps from her car seat, waving enthusiastically.

“Bye, sweetheart,” Will replies, his grin widening.

As we pull out of the driveway, Callie is already looking at me, her lips twitching.

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