Page 43 of The Manny

“In the flower bed. Of course.”

“But, I already have roses in there.”

“I know, but don’t you think it would be nice to put some petunias or snowcap around the bottom?”

“No. I like it how it is.”

He laughed. “You do hate change.”

Gritting my teeth, I narrowed my eyes. “Thomas, may I please speak to you privately?”

He finally seemed to catch on that I wasn’t pleased and he grimaced. “You need to speak to me privately?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have some juice?” Mia asked, apparently losing interest in the conversation.

“Uh… I think you’ve had enough sugar for today.” Thomas stood. “How about a glass of milk and a nap?”

Mia frowned. “I don’t want a nap.”

“If Thomas says you need a nap, take a nap, Mia.” My voice was gruffer than intended. I hadn’t meant to take my impatience toward Thomas out on her, but once again he had me agitated.

Mia seemed to shrink. “Yes, Uncle Jack.” She moved to Thomas, giving me an uneasy glance.

I winced. “I’m not mad.”

“Oh, you sound mad,” she said quietly.

“Well, I’m not.”

Not at you, at least.

Thomas straightened. “Let me get Mia settled, and I’ll come back out for our… talk.”

“Thanks.” I bent down and yanked the lawnmower cord, and the machine roared to life. I didn’t watch them go, I focused on the grass instead. It took him about thirty minutes, but eventually Thomas returned without Mia. I’d finished mowing, and had moved on to pruning the roses.

He strode toward me. “Reporting for duty, sir.” He gave a cursory salute.

I frowned. “You think this is a joke?”

He sighed. “Come on, lighten up, Jack. I have no idea why you’re bent out of shape.”

“I’ve told you, I don’t want you bossing me around or interfering in my life. But you still keep doing it.”

“When did I do that?”

I scowled. “Just a bit ago, with Mia. I don’t want you planting flowers in my garden. I like things the way they are. But when I tell you that, you brush over my feelings.”

His gaze flickered. “I thought it would be nice to lend a hand in the yard. I thought Mia would enjoy it.”

“It’s my yard.”

“Yes. I am quite aware of whose yard it is. Planting flowers doesn’t put me on the deed to the house.”

Frustration ate at me because he didn’t seem to grasp why I was annoyed with him. “I want you to stay out of my business. Completely.”

Lifting his chin, he said, “Planting flowers would make Mia happy. It would make her feel connected to the home. That’s what drove me to make the suggestion. Not some need to butt into your life. Everything isn’t always about you, Jack.”

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