Page 89 of The Manny

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It seemed that all of Glenwood came to Jack’s anniversary party. It was wall-to-wall people, with laughing children jumping in the bouncer, and adults dancing to the rock tunes being played by the DJ.

Mia was thrilled at the sight of all the other kids in the big blue and yellow bouncer. She was buzzing with excitement and I had to pick her up just to get her attention.

“Mia, honey, calm down.” I smiled at her.

“I want to play in there too.” She sounded breathless. “I’ve always wanted to play in a jumpy thing. My whole life!”

I laughed. “That long?”

“Yep.”

“You’re going to get to play in there, don’t worry. But I want you to be careful, okay? Sometimes kids bang into each other, if they’re not being cautious.”

“Oh.” She nodded. “I’ll be careful.”

“You have to wait your turn, and take your shoes off before you go inside.”

“Yes. Yes. I’ll do that.”

I laughed and set her down. “Okay, let’s go.” I walked her over to the giant vinyl play area. She was so enthusiastic, I held on to the back of her shirt so I didn’t lose her in the crowd, and she pulled me along like a sled dog. While her unbridled excitement made me protective of her, I had to admit I was relieved she wasn’t acting shy. Percy wasn’t here yet, and sometimes she was rather antisocial unless he was with her. It was a good sign she was willing to interact with the other kids on her own.

Once we got to the line, a friendly teenage girl greeted us. She had Mia take off her shoes while she explained the rules to her: Don’t climb on the netting. Don’t bring food or drink in. Don’t push or shove other children.Dobe courteous to other jumpers.Dohave loads of fun.

I patted Mia’s head and watched her scramble into the inflatable play area. I didn’t want to hover too much because I wanted her to feel independent. I decided to stand behind the cotton candy stand. That way she couldn’t see me, but I could still keep an eye on her.

Once I was safely tucked behind the cotton candy tent, I peeked around the corner, smiling at Mia as she squealed and jumped like a bunny rabbit on crack. “She’s such a kook,” I whispered to myself.

“Are you sure she’s not too little to be in there?” Jack’s worried voice came from behind me, and I jumped.

Startled, I turned to face him. “I… I didn’t know you were there.”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” He grimaced, his uneasy gaze still pinned on Mia. “She looks so small next to all those other kids.”

“I know.” I turned back around to watch Mia. “But the girl running the jumper seems very attentive. She’s making sure the bigger kids stay on one side.”

“Okay, good.”

He was standing so close to me, I could smell his shampoo and just a hint of soapy sweat. His chest brushed my back, and his breath was warm on the nape of my neck. We never went anywhere together, so I hadn’t been sure how he’d behave around me in public. I was pleased he wasn’t being standoffish with me. Although, perhaps he didn’t feel self-conscious because we were essentially hidden from sight.

I cleared my throat. “Looks like a good turnout.”

“Yeah. I’m relieved. I kept having nightmares that no one would show up.”

I smiled over my shoulder at him. “Apparently you were worried for no reason.”

“Apparently.” He pulled his gaze from Mia and met mine. A flirtatious smile touched his lips. “Ever make out behind a cotton candy tent before?”

I laughed. “No. You?”

“Nope.” He pinned his gaze on my mouth. “Might be fun to try it.”

“I’m game. Although, someone might see us.” I teased. “Can your reputation handle it if we’re discovered?”

He narrowed his eyes and slipped his arm around my waist. “Can yours?”

Surprised that he wasn’t backing off, my heart beat faster. “You’re seriously not worried someone might see us?”

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