Page 53 of In The Game

Barrett: Have you thought about dinner yet?

I sigh. I have thought about it. He’s been adamantly denying everything, he’s not this good an actor. I can’t imagine not knowing my own son. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let him come over for dinner. I grew up without a father and it sucked. If his dad wants to make an effort, I shouldn’t stand in his way, but I’m terrified of him letting Arthur down.

Me: Let me talk to him. If he says yes, then okay. But nothing out in public. You can eat with us, but it’s a casual, weeknight dinner. Don’t get too excited. Nothing fancy.

Barrett: I don’t care about the food, I just want to see him. Does Wednesday night work?

Me: As long as you don’t mind fish finger dogs.

Barrett: HOW DID YOU KNOW!?!? They’re my favorite!!!

I roll my eyes and try not to laugh.

Me: Oh, I’m sure.

Me: We usually eat around 5-5:30. I’ll text you and let you know.

Barrett: Thank you for this.

Me: It’s up to Arthur.

* * *

After getting Arthur strapped into his booster seat, I walk to the driver’s door and get in.

“How was your day today, kiddo?”

I peek at him in the rearview mirror.

“It was good, we got to paint with marshmallows today!”

“Fun! Did you eat any of the marshmallows after there was paint on them?”

“No! I licked the paint off first.”

I take a deep breath. He’ll be shitting rainbows all week.This kid.“Yeah, and how did that taste?”

“Gross.”

“I bet. Hey, what do you think about having a friend over for dinner tomorrow?”

“Who?”

“His name is Barrett. You met him when we went to the hockey game. Right before we left.”

He scrunches up his nose. “The giant with the hair on his face?”

I laugh. “Yeah, the giant with the beard.”I hate that I still remember how his trimmed facial hair felt between my thighs.

“Sure! He’s nice. And he knew koalas are marsupials.”

“Well, yeah, buteverybodyknows that...”

He holds up his finger. “This is true. Can we have cereal for dinner?”

“Tonight or when he comes over?”

“Both! Cereal is a top food.” I swear he could eat it for every meal and never get sick of it.

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