Page 33 of The Sky in Summer
“Yeah. Who knows what’s in the future, but so far it’s worked. My job requires that I am all in.”
“Well so does mine. It’s just that my all in is defined differently. I need to make room for the people I love. That sounds weird. I mean being a parent demands different things. My job has to take second place.”
“You’re right. I have to put mine first so often, it wouldn’t be fair to a partner or children.”
“Whatever you tell yourself.”
I say it almost by accident, before thinking it through. Not that I don’t mean it. But I never would have voiced it. I don’t think either of us considered going even this deep, but it’s just happening.
“Sounds like your plan has worked beautifully,” I add.
“Yours too. You came back to Montana so the twins could be by their father, right?”
“Yes. Wait. Let me get my pillows right.”
I put the papers to the side and settle into a more comfortable position.
“Layla…are you in bed?” The last question he asked is discarded for more important pressing issues.
It sounds so intimate when he says my name. Like only he knows how to say the word.
“I am.”
“What are you wearing?”
I look down at the Goofy nightshirt and Mickey Mouse socks. I should lie.
“A Goofy nightshirt and Mickey Mouse socks.”
Under his breath he moans as if I’d said a see-through bra and crotchless panties.
“Nice. Are you wearing that particular one in my honor?”
“How so?”
“I feel goofy when I think of you.”
A thrill travels the length of my body, and it comes out in a giggle. Being twelve again feels wonderful.
“You continue to surprise me.”
“I should. We just met,” I chuckle.
“True. Neither knows enough to make an informed decision. About our pending friendship I mean. It takes time getting to know someone.”
I can’t come up with a response, because it would require me figuring out what I want. And then longer to decide if I’d reveal it.
“You still there?”
“I’m here. Are you going to Sam’s game tomorrow night? The boys are playing.”
“I am. How funny that we are connected in so many ways.”
“Just think of what fun we could have if we were actual buds,” I chuckle.
“You mean there’s more?”
9
