They sat in silence for a while, sipping their coffee, and Carter began to feel bad for Michelle. She didn’t mean any harm.
“What does your brother do?”
“He’s an accountant, a CPA.”
Good God, that sounds dull as dirt, but Carter managed to muster up some enthusiasm.
“That sounds interesting.”
Michelle snorted into her coffee cup. “Are you kidding? It’s boring as hell; even Blake, my brother, says so. But the pay is pretty good, and he has a nice apartment; all he needs is the right guy.”
“I’m sure he’ll find someone.”
They were interrupted by the front door opening and the sound of running feet. Actually it sounded more like a herd of buffalo tramping about. Four boys practically tumbled into the room, and Carter’s eyes lit up at the sight of Jacks, his face bright and alive with laughter. He showed no ill effects from his middle-of-the-night escapade, and the other boys obviously couldn’t have cared less.
Though physically less developed than the others, it hardly seemed to be holding Jacks back socially. Carter realized he owed Michelle a hell of a lot for being the type of person who wouldn’t shy away from having her child play with a boy whom everyone knew had learning issues as well as other problems. So much of Jacks’s recent emotional growth was due to his friendship with her son, Henry, and these other kids. It was a testament to her decency as a person and to her parenting, and Carter vowed to treat her with more respect and kindness.
“Hey, buddy, how’s it going?” Carter stood and waited for Jacks to come over and give him his usual hug. This time though, Jacks held back, staying within the circle of his friends. Reed remained sitting in the chair as a spectator.
“Do I hafta go home? We’re still having fun.”
“’Fraid so, kiddo. It’s Sunday, and Henry’s mom has stuff to do and so do we. Why don’t you get your things from upstairs and we’ll go home?”
“But I don’t wanna go. Why doIhave to be the first one to leave?”
Stymied, not used to resistance, Carter turned to Michelle, beseeching her for assistance. It was one thing to be firm in your own home when it was only the two of them. Carter couldn’t and wouldn’t treat Jacks like a little kid in front of his friends, but as this was his first time in this situation, he didn’t know the boundaries of after-sleepover parent pick-ups.
Luck was on his side as the front doorbell rang. From the sound of the voices, one of the parents had showed up to pick up their child as well. Carter pasted a smile on his face, prepared to meet and answer questions about himself and Jacks.
A huge man, his head covered with a green Jets cap, entered the room. He had to be at least 6’4” and 230 pounds, and though the room was spacious, his presence made itself known. His smile beamed wide, and he waved.
“Hey, Michelle. How’s it going? They didn’t drive you crazy yet?”
“Hi, Vinnie. Nah. I’m used to it.”
Vinnie scanned the room, and his eyes lit up when they settled on one of the boys who, Carter assumed, was his son. The boy towered over the others in the group and had the same big smile as his father.
“Joey, you ready? I got your mom and sister waiting in the car. Let’s go. Chop, chop.”
Without a word, Joey ran upstairs and came flying back down in a matter of minutes with a backpack.
“Say goodbye to Henry’s mom and dad.”
“I know, Dad. Jeez, I’m not a baby.”
Carter bit back a smile.
“Hey, how’re you doing? I’m Vinnie Esposito, Joey’s dad.”
The big man stuck out his hand, and Carter took it, liking his firm grip and no-nonsense attitude.
“I’m Carter Haywood, Jackson’s brother.”
“Oh yeah, Jacks. I met him last week. He’s a real sweet kid.”
Joey tugged at Vinnie’s sleeve. “I’m ready.”
“Okay. I’ll be right out; go to the car.”
