Page 52 of In The Game

“Hi, Barrett.”

“How was your day?”

She sighs. “It was fine.”

My back is starting to hurt from carrying all these damn conversations. This afternoon feels like forever ago.

“Do anything fun over your lunch break?”

“Nothing worth noting.” I hear the hint of a smile in her voice—it’s almost flirty—and my eyes pop open.That’s something.

“How was Arthur’s day?”

“He had a good day too.”

She saidtoo—which means her day was better than “fine.”

We had lunch this afternoon and she had a good day.

Am I grasping at straws? Fuck yeah, I am.

“Did he tell you anything about it?”

I want to know what he says when he comes home from school or daycare or wherever he goes when Raleigh’s at work.

“He said he learned a new song about the days of the week and was really excited.”

“How does it go?” Wish I could hear him sing it.

“I dunno, it’s like all the days of the week sung to the tune ofThe Addams Familytheme song.” The smile in her voice reemerges, and my fist shoots into the air.She’s talking to me.

“Seriously?” I laugh.

“It’s catchy as hell. He got it stuck in my head.” It sounds like she’s putting away dishes. “It’ll definitely help me remember them all.”

She’s gradually dropping some of her defenses, giving me more than bare minimum. The smile on my face is ear to ear.

More progress.

TWENTY-TWO

He sent me lunch.Again.

Me: I can’t eat like this everyday. I’ve gained enough weight after having Arthur.

Barrett: Good, I like you curvy.

Me: Shut up.

Barrett: Never.

Me: You are going to ruin reubens for me.

Barrett: Well, I wouldn’t want to do that. What other food do you like?

Me: I’m not telling you.

Barrett: You’ll tell me when you get sick of the reubens.

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