Page 197 of The Vacation Mix-Up
“Language,” Mom scolds. “Let’s just be thankful she didn’t harm herself.”
True. Although… she harmed that innocent stool.
“Shh,” Poppy says, patting Moose’s head. “He’s sleeping.”
I run my fingers along my lips, pretending to zip them shut, when she lets out an almighty snort, her mouth open, her nose scrunched. Thinking she’s choking, I panic and lunge toward her, but then she adds, “He’s snoring, Uncle Riley! Like you!”
Roni bursts into laughter, and Mom offers me a sympathetic grin.
Where’s the damn milk? It’sroofie time.
“I might pop into the store tomorrow after cards with Ellis and Lily,” Mom says, taking Poppy’s hand in hers.
“Of course.” I walk them to the door.
“I want to hear more about this Riley who has you blushing.”
“I don’t blush, Mom.”
“Of course you don’t, dear,” she says, her patronizing hand patting my cheek. “Don’t forget to bring my baking dishes with you.”
“You didn’t wash them?”
She slaps my arm. “The nerve of you.”
I chuckle. “I’m kidding. They’ll be so clean you’ll be able to do your hair in the reflection.”
“I doubt that, but good boy.”
Kissing her cheek and then Roni’s, followed by Poppy’s, I wave goodbye from my front door, when my cell sounds an incoming text.
Yawning again, I pull it out, stupid butterfly shit flittering in my stomach when I notice Riles’s name.
Just wanted to say goodnight.
Goodnight, sweetheart. Get some sleep. Because you won’t when I see you next.
Yes, I will. I’ll bring my AirPods.
That’s not what I meant.
I know.
Laughing, because she gives as good as she gets, my fingers start to typeI love you, but I stop them.
Jesus fucking Christ, Wilson. What are you doing?
The message bubble bounces on my screen, so I quickly type something else so she doesn’t think I’ve left her hanging.
Did you eat something?
Did you eat something?
“You’re an idiot,” I mutter to myself while closing the door behind me.
Stop thin-shaming me.
I laugh.
