Page 44 of Three Not-So-Little Words
“Alright, Ronnie, give it to me straight. Why are you home? I mean, I’m thrilled that you are, but it’s so unlike you. Did something happen?”
“No, nothing happened. I still love my job.”
“Then, why now?”
I think for a minute. “Do you remember a couple months ago when you and Leah took that short trip to Portland, and you left Luna with Mom?”
He looks confused. “Yeah.”
“When you got back, you felt like you missed an eternity because Luna rolled over for the first time while you were gone?”
He nods.
“That’s what it’s always like for me. I love seeing the world, but when I come home, it’s sometimes hard to compute exactly how much I’ve missed. In the past few years, Liz moved back and met Jack, you met Leah, and I’ve gained two new nieces. I’ve always loved the relationship I’ve had with Eve. I’d like to have that same bond with Luna and Beth. It’s hard to do that when I’m never here.”
“So, youdowant to babysit?” He jokes.
“Maybe when they’re old enough to tell me what they want. Until then, they’re too needy.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m really happy you’re back.”
“Alright, alright. Don’t get all sappy on me.”
He grins. “There’s the smartass we all know and love. So, where did you end up disappearing to after the wedding? Did all of the commitment talk have you breaking out in hives?”
“Now, who’s the smartass?” I tease. “I ended up hooking up with a friend of Jack’s.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you actually know him. He’s about to start at the shop. Drew?”
He thinks for a second before putting two and two together. “You hooked up with Drew? Do you know anything about him?”
“I know he’s got a nice dick and knows how to use it.”
He scrunches his face in disgust. “Gross. Do you know anything else?”
“No. And I don’t really want to.”
“Why not?” He asks.
“The more you know, the more complicated things get. I’m not looking for complicated. I’m looking for fun. That’s it.”
“Are you going to see him again?”
“Probably. Just for some more fun.”
“And you don’t want to know anything else about him?”
I shake my head. “Nope. Wait, is he married?”
“No. Not married, but—”
I stop him. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Ignorance is bliss.”
“But—”
“Dylan, no. Just let me do my thing.” When he goes to open his mouth again, I add, “If you don’t stop, I’ll tell you all about the sex…every excruciating detail.”
