Also, he brought me my chicken. He brought me my pet chicken, and now she’s snuggling me, and everything about this feels so natural and right.
And that’s terrifying.
“Do you seriously not have any work you have to do right now?” I murmur.
“Canceled nearly everything if I can’t do it remotely. Except…”
“Except?”
“The press will start to spread rumors that I’m in rehab or something if I don’t make an appearance here and there. So I’m doing podcast interviews again. And there’s a charity dinner in New York late next week that I haven’t canceled yet. It’saftermy camping trip with your family. I won’t miss that.”
“Charity is important.” I love this recliner. It fits my body like it was born with me.
“It’s just an overnight thing. If you won’t be mad at me for leaving—”
“I’m not in charge of your life.”
“If we were doing this parent thing the traditional way, I’d ask. So I’m asking. And I’ll be back by the next morning. Promise.”
There’s a swirly black darkness behind my eyelids that accompanies a contented hum from Yolko Ono in my lap.
I like it.
Means sleep is close.
Since Jonas got to town, I haven’t slept enough.
“Your brother and his wife have to leave eventually,” I murmur.
I can’t see him, but I can feel him watching me like he doesn’t understand exactly where that came from.
I don’t know if I understand where it came from.
Do I mean Jonas will leave when his family does?
I don’t know. My brain is fogging.
“Maybe,” he says. “Hayes is pretty happy in secluded houses. With maternity leave, camp isn’t expecting Begonia back until next spring. Plus, Hayes bought the house. I can live in it solo even if they leave.”
Oh.
That’s what I meant. That he wouldn’t have a place to stay without attracting more attention if his brother leaves.
But his brother owns the house.
And he said they can stay until next spring.
That’s months.
Monthsand months.
And I have his phone number. I have phone numbers for various members of his family.
Begonia even insisted I take Keisha’s phone number.
Yes,thatKeisha.
Jonas’s cousin, Keisha Kourtney. The pop star that Zen fainted over when they found out Keisha posted about loving their kombucha on her socials.
