Page 71 of Here's to Tomorrow

“Guess it’s just you and me, kiddo.”

I get an eye roll.From a seven-year-old.

“Not cool, dude,” I say in the most parental voice I have.

I swear I get the most adorable pair of blue eyes turned on me. “Sorry,” Joey whispers before looking down at the floor.

I sigh because how in the hell can you stay mad at that? You can’t.

Squatting down so I’m eye level, I say, “Hey, it’s okay. Just remember for next time, okay?”

I get a nod…and a sniffle. After a few hugs and reassuring words—because I hardly ever get on Joey’s case about anything—I suggest a movie.

“Wanna watchThe Lion King?”

A shrug. “I guess.”

“Okay, bug. We’ll watch that and order some pizza. Maybe Gaige will be working and he can deliver it to us. How’s that sound?”

“Do we still have ice cream?”

I get a flashback of the last person to ask me about ice cream.Rae.I wish she were here for this.

The smallest flair of panic races through me because that’s a heavy thought. Then I realize that yes, I do want Rae here, for all these small moments and all the big ones too.

I just have to gather the courage to tell her about Joey…then possibly watch her walk away because of it.

“You’re asking me, The King of Ice Cream, if I have any? Where’s your faith in me, bug?”

“Good point,” Joey says with a serious expression and pat on my arm. “Ice cream first, okay?”

I pretend to think on it for a few seconds, but really, I’d never deny this kid anything. “Deal.”

We fist-bump.

“I’ll go get Rocky and you go get the ice cream.”

“Please?” I encourage.

“With cherries on top!”

Now I’m confused. “Of the ice cream or the please?”

I get aduhlook. “Both.”

* * *

About two hours later there’s another knock at the door. I assume it’s my mom because I’m not expecting anyone else so I fling the door open.

It’s Rae.

SHIT! It’s Rae!

Out of reflex, I close the door so she can only see my face. Her brows pinch together in an instant.

My breathing becomes labored and I can’t seem to hear anything because of the pounding in my head. She’s talking, I can see her mouth moving, but I can’t hear a damn thing she’s saying.

Fuck, fuck, fuck! Deep breath in…and out. In, out. In, out.

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