Page 24 of Fall Twice

“You know we have the best trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. We give out big candy bars,” Johnny mentions as he leans back on the chair and drinks his coffee, taking no notice of me.

My brows raise up and I bring my fingers to play with the hairs around my mouth. “Really? I thought we’re the neighborhood with the dentist who gives out toothbrushes,” I say, doubting him.

Johnny’s stern warning glare hits me. “Nope. Big candy bars.”

“Mom, can we trick-or-treat there?” Oscar is now excited and bouncing in his seat.

“I mean, I guess. Reid will have to show us the good spots.” She mentions it so simply before taking another sip.

I feel my cheeks raise slightly because it’s a good idea. I’m guaranteed to see Lena again, and I have no idea why I had the concern that I wouldn’t.

“Come on, let me show you where they hide the checkers. Reid and I play a good game. Do you play?” Johnny asks Oscar as he stands and invites Oscar to follow him.

“Yeah, with my dad.” Oscar trails behind him with enthusiasm.

This opportunity leaves Lena and me alone, watching them both, content. A silent pause lingers between us, and when I look at her, we have a short stare-off, and we both can’t help a gentle smile from erupting.

She plays with the handle of the mug, flicking it with her thumb, returning her gaze to it. “I’m happy we can just hang, that the other night didn’t set us back, you know.”

Ah, that’s the reminder of why I was concerned things would be awkward between us. Because I kissed her senseless and I’m thinking it’s a great idea to do it again. Then I let her lie in my bed while I watched her sleep until I fell asleep myself. It was a temporary solution to our needs, because apparently, we both missed having someone around.

“Sure.” I keep my internal thoughts down. “He’s a great kid, by the way.”

She chortles a laugh. “It’s the weekend, so he’s normally an angel. For the most part, he is a good kid, but weekdays sometimes, with the busy schedule, then I wonder if I spawned demon qualities in him. Adorable, of course, but nonetheless, I question it.”

I feel a lazy smile spread on my face. “You suit it. I mean, you look at peace when he’s around you.”

She looks briefly off to the side and then back to me. “He’s a piece of me, the reason I changed my view on so many things. I miss him when he isn’t around and appreciate the time when he’s with his dad. Selfishly I get a little more me-time now. But he’s the best.”

I give her a reassuring smile, my subtle way of letting her know that she’s doing well with the way the cards have been dealt to her, because nobody wants a divorce, especially if a child is involved.

“It’s sweet that you help Johnny. He seems like a firecracker.” Lena smirks to herself.

I scratch my cheek as I think of the best way to answer. “That he is. I guess I keep my weekends pretty laidback. With my ex, every weekend we had this or that to go do, but for the last year it’s been maybe too quiet, you know what I mean?”

“My quiet and your quiet are in different realms. During the divorce, my free moments were times I wallowed in sadness for the situation, and once I got over it then my spare time became logistic planning for the move. It’s great to finally feel like I can breathe normally again in a way.” She sits up, almost proud.

“We do need you breathing.”

Our eyes dance, and I can’t seem to grasp this mood between us. Floating on a cloud yet sitting firmly on the earth.

She lets out a puff of air. “I should probably wrangle Oscar in.”

I follow her line of sight and see that Oscar is returning to us holding a board game from the corner selection, with Johnny bundling up his coat.

“I have to head home for the grandkids visiting later, but I know Reid is my perfect replacement. Nice meeting you all. See you, neighbor.” He tips his head in our direction.

“Nice meeting you.” Lena smiles. Oscar waves goodbye before he begins opening the box. Lena looks at her son, not at all surprised. “Really? This is our game option?” Her tone is unimpressed.

I lean into the table to check and chuckle under my breath. “Game of Life.”

“Because we need to relive the trauma of adulthood,” she says, sarcastic.

“How about I grab us another round of drinks?” I offer.

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t need to do that; I’m sure you have things to do. I can play with him.”

I shake my head. “It’s really okay. I mean, it’s the updated version, so I can sue and have extra insurance options.” I gently touch her shoulder to assure her that I’m completely happy to stay.

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