Page 148 of Sharkbait
She rocks me side to side. “You’ll find a new group there, won’t you?”
“Of course I will. I pop into a great group every time I’m there to visit. They’ll be my homebase now.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” She steps back from the hug and puts her hands on my cheeks like I’m a little kid. “Because you know the drill, boyo. With big disappointments like this, there’s always a chance of a relapse.”
“Seven years sobriety, Kath. Don’t worry. I’m not letting that go.” I place my hands over hers. “Not letting you go either, lady. You know that, right?”
“What’s that I hear? Is that an open-ended invitation to join you in paradise?”
“You better believe it! I have a guest room with your name on it anytime you want to use it. That goes for all of you,” I look at Wally, Mabel, and Alec. “You’re welcome anytime.”
“You better go, buddy.”
I look at the time on my phone and know Wally’s right. I check it one last time for new voicemails, then put it in my pocket. She’s not coming, and I need to make my peace with that. After a few more goodbyes and good wishes, I make my way through security and board my flight.
Something about being up in the air, suspended between time zones, helps me clear my mind. By the time I touch down on the Big Island, I’m ready to focus on everything this move is bringing me instead of what it requires me to lose.
“Daddy!!!”
The best sound—and girl—in the world crashes into me as soon as I exit the revolving doors leading to the passenger pickup area.
“Baby girl!” I drop my suitcases and spin Iris around and around.
“You’re here for realsies now, and I get to see you all the time!” she squeals.
“That’s right!” I give her an extra tight squeeze and kiss the side of her head. “I’m so excited to be here with you, baby. For good this time.”
I put Iris back on her feet and maneuver my suitcases to the curb, where Eva is leaning against the car, smiling at us.
“How’re you feeling, Jay Bear?”
“Oh, you know…” I sort of half shrug, half smile.
She gives me a hug and says softly, “You know, it’s okay not to be a hundred percent right now.”
“Thanks, Evie B.”
I’ve kept Eva up to date on all things Louise. She knows I’m hurting.
“But…” Eva raises her voice for Iris’s benefit. “We’re really excited you’re here. Aren’t we?”
“Yes! And we don’t have a surprise for you!” Iris jumps in the back seat and hides her face.
I toss my suitcases in the trunk, then stick my head in the open back window. “You don’t have a surprise for me, or you do?”
“Don’t!” she squeaks. “We don’t!”
“Okay.” I laugh as I get in the passenger side and buckle up. “She has a secret for me, huh?” I whisper to Eva.
“Iris?” Eva says in her sternest mom voice, which isn’t very stern at all. “Buckle yourself in and…” She mimes zipping her mouth and throwing away the key.
I turn around to find Iris doing the same gesture and fighting a fit of giggles.
They’re up to something.
Alright.
I’ll let them have their fun at my expense.
