Page 88 of The Two of Us

I pass her the bag and slip my hands into my pockets, not sure what to say next. Thankfully, Laura saves me the trouble. “How’s your dad doing?”

“Great! I think. Considering the circumstances.” I let out a low laugh. “Otso hasn’t left his bed in days.”

Laura’s face crumples with concern. “Days?”

I shrug. “Yeah, but that’s normal, right? I mean, he loves his owner.”

“Hmm,” is all she says.

I scratch the nonexistent itch on my neck. “Well… I should get going. I left Mrs. Kline to watch my dad, but I know she doesn’t like being away from her house for too long.”

Mrs. Kline actually told me to take all the time I need, but me and awkward silences don’t mesh well.

Laura nods and looks at me as if she knows something I don’t. Before she closes the door, a hand shoots out to catch it.

Anya stands before me. She looks like she’s lived a million lifetimes, but still looks better than she did at Matty’s party. Without realizing it, I take a step back. I think a part of my subconscious is afraid of getting alcohol thrown in my eyes again.

Laura lifts her hand up in warning. “Anya…”

She ignores her. “Can I talk to you?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Laura says.

Anya turns on her, annoyed. “I’m not going to throw another drink on her. Besides, all you have in your fridge is water.”

Anya looks at me again, the question clear in her eyes.

I nod. “Sure.”

We walk to the end of the dock and I look back, hoping Laura’s watching us through the window just in case Anya decides to push me off.

Okay, I don’t think she’d do that.

Okay, maybe I think her hand would accidentally slip and do the opposite of pull me in for a hug.

She sits, her legs dangling over the edge and I follow suit.

We sit, staring out at the water in front of us. I don’t feel like looking at Anya just in case she attempts to kill me with her eyes.

She clears her throat. “I owe you an apology.”

My head whips around so fast I’m surprised I don’t break my neck.

Her laugh is dry. “I know. Wild, right? Me apologizing. I promise I’m sober. Today at least”

She’s making a joke. Do I laugh? No. Too soon.

I study her, confused and if I’m being honest, a little suspicious. “Why?”

“Because you saved my boy’s life. Simple as that. We’re even.”

I want to point out to her that I’ve never done anything to her, but I have a strong feeling she’s keeping score of my past. And for that, I can’t blame her.

I nod. “We’re even.”

We sit there for a while, welcoming the breeze that dances through the trees. A white flag may have been raised, but that doesn’t mean the conversation will flow easily.

I play with the key chain in my hand. “Can I ask you a question?”

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