Page 116 of DadBod

I catch Ryann in the corner of my eye. “It does.”

“I actually looked it up. Chicago is number six in the US.”

“Well, that’s pretty good.”

“Interestingly, I read another article that had it as number six in cities around the world.”

“See?”

“It’s not the best, though.”

“It’s close.”

“It is.” Ryann smiles brightly. “I’m kind of curious about those other cities. Number one was Singapore and number two, London.”

“I’ve love to go to London someday.”

“Me too. Mom and I always talked about traveling. Maybe you and me could do that sometime.”

“I-I’d love that, Ryann.”

“Why don’t we start with Michigan?”

“You want to go to Michigan with me?” She’s surprising the heck out of me.

“I’d love to. Thanks for asking. When are we leaving?”

The girl cracks me up. “I haven’t booked the bus yet.”

“Thank God. We can take the Subaru. Your Subaru.”

The pair of us look at Rome. “I’ve got no problem with a girls’ trip. Calvin and I will kick back and do guy things.”

“Video games and farting?” Ryann deadpans. “Sounds super nice. Sorry I’ll miss it.”

“Ryann…” I snort, then giggle. “Stop.” She’s right though. Boys can be stinky. I should know, I lived with four of them for years. “Rome? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. It sounds like fun.”

“I’m going to my visit my brother.” In prison. But I don’t say that aloud. “Is that going to be a problem for either of you?”

Rome frowns, but Ryann answers first. “Nope. No problem here.”

“If you think she’ll be safe, I don’t mind.”

“We’ll figure it out.” I give Ryann my best smile, gap and all. “I’m excited now. This is going to be fun.”

“It’ll be interesting,” Ryann deadpans. What a smart aleck. “Dad…” Ryann opens the door to go inside. “I’m going to need a ton of cash. Girls’ trips are pricey.”

As soon Ryann’s gone, Rome asks, “Before you leave today, will you please tell me the story? About your brother?”

“I will if it’ll make you feel better about Ryann going with me.”

“It will.”

* * *

“My brother,Sam, is the oldest. Next there’s Kevin, Freddie, and finally me.” Scooting back onto the lounge chair on Rome’s patio, I take a sip of my wine. It’s one of those conversations that requires a little booze. “Sam was the golden child. Smart and super athletic. He could play any sport and be the star. His best sports were football and baseball. He was good; he had offers to play both sports in college. And not Podunk schools. Michigan wanted him for football, and a college in California recruited him for baseball.”

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