Page 130 of Nothing But It All
“Talent. So, is Pops moving in with us?”And yet, she can’t hear when I ask her to take out the trash. Ironic.
“I am. Your mom said I can have the room by the garage.”
Maddie beams. “This is great news. I love it.”
“Finally,” Michael says. “I’ll have someone around to watch football with.”
“Hell yeah,” Harvey says. “Wings and football every Sunday. It’s on.”
My heart explodes with warmth.I’m so glad we’re here.
“Dad and I need to wash up,” I say. “We smell like moss and dirt.”
Jack’s eyes shimmer, and I feel it in my core.
“Good,” Harvey says. “Get out of here, and let Mrs. Shaw fix me up. I’m starting to get some other pains that I’d like her to tend to in private.”
“That’s my grandmother,” Ava calls from the table.
“Ava, your grandmother is a fox,” Harvey says.
Mrs. Shaw swipes at him again, but he easily ducks it.
Jack starts down the hallway, and I begin to follow. But Harvey motions for me.
“Yeah?” I say, standing next to him.
He takes my hands in his and pats them. Snaps tries to bite them, but Harvey keeps them far enough away. “I love you, Lauren.”
“I love you, Pops.”
He winks, giving my hands another squeeze before letting them go. “Now, go wash up or whatever you’re calling it. Then come back, and we’ll play some euchre.”
“You’re going down,” Michael shouts from across the room.
“You wish,” Harvey shouts back.
I shake my head and slip down the hall and into my bedroom. I shut and lock the door behind me.
Jack’s things are scattered around the room. Shoes are on the floor. Clothes are lying everywhere. His bottle of water from last night is on top of the dresser. But instead of being irritated by it, I’m somehow comforted.
“There you are,” he says, coming out of the bathroom. “I started the shower for you.”
“Are you getting in with me?”
He grins. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
We face one another, neither of us saying a word. It’s a relief to be able to breathe while in each other’s space without feeling strangled or pressured or prodded.
It’s a relief to have my friend back—my best friend. I just won’t tell Billie.
Jack is happy when I allow him in my life—from burgers to baths to decisions. I’m happy, and excited, at the opportunity to get more involved in his world too.
I fight a grin. “Hey, when do you go to Vegas?”
“Next week.” He looks at me warily. “Why? Do you want me to stay home? Because I can.”
“No. I was thinking that maybe I could fly out for a couple of days, and we could hang out.”
