“I don’t use an alarm.”
“So how do you get up?”
I glance to the side, wondering if I’m missing something. “I just ... get up. Whenever my body’s ready. Sometimes it’s early, sometimes it’s late.” I shrug as we walk through the living room and into the kitchen.
She rolls her eyes. “Of course.”
“Good morning, girls,” Rebecca sings. She shoots us a smile and continues peeling potatoes at the counter.
My lips lift as I snatch an apple from the fruit bowl and wash it in the sink. I found out last night that Rebecca’s a full-time kindergarten teacher. It suits her.
After taking a bite, I send a quick good morning text to Mom and Benji. I’m just flipping my phone shut when the back door swings open, and I glance up. Joshua stands in the doorway dressed in jeans and a black long-sleeved shirt that clings to his shoulders and chest like it needs him to survive. My skin flushes, warming me from my scalp to my toes. His thick hair’s damp like he just got out of the shower, and his backpack’s slung over one shoulder.
His stare coasts over the three of us.
I don’t fail to notice we are all staring back.
“Hey, Hunt,” Kimmie says first, followed by a, “Morning,” from Rebecca.
I flick my gaze to Kimmie, wondering why she’s calling him by his last name.
“Hey,” he mutters, but he’s looking at me when he says it. My stomach dips like a ship on rocky waters. He holds my gaze, his eyes intense, and images from yesterday flit through my mind like he’s sitting right in front of me, my palms on his bare skin. I moisten my lips, and he clears his throat, shifting his gaze to the floor before fixing it on Rebecca. “Ma’am.” He tips his chin toward her, and I think my insides go up in flames.
Rebecca smiles, setting a freshly peeled potato into the Crock-Pot. “What can I do for you, hun?”
“I was just looking for Mr. Everest.” His eyes dart across the room, through the arch that leads into the living room behind me. “Is he arou—”
“Hunt, hey there.” Tim’s voice booms as he enters the kitchen. He’s dressed sharp in a crisp grey suit and blue tie, a briefcase in hand. He stops when he spots me, his expression brightening. “Morning, Blue. Thought you’d still be on one of your walks, but I guess it’s my lucky day.” He presses a light kiss to my forehead. I stiffen, but it’s only out of surprise. He’s never done that before. He’s already moved onto Kimmie by the time I relax again. He gives her the same peck on her forehead, then Rebecca, who kisses him back on the cheek.
I squint as I watch them. It’s so natural, like this is what they do every morning. And I guess it is. Like Tim said, I usually miss this part because I’m out on a walk or bike ride.
Mom and I have always been open with affection. Most nights, we fall asleep together, sometimes under the stars, hands clasped. Those are my favorite moments. But I also go through long stretches of being alone or just with Benji, and I’ve definitely never been in a house full of people like this. Never stayed with a family who has a set daily routine, with everything down to breakfast scheduled. I never thought I’d want to either.
But now, being here ... something tightens in my chest, like a weight pressing down on me and lifting me all at once, and I don’t think I’ll be skipping these mornings anymore.
Kimmie strolls over to Rebecca, asking about her outfit, but I track Tim as he sets his briefcase on the counter and walks over to Joshua. “Doing okay this morning?”
Joshua dips his head, flicks his gaze to me beneath his dark lashes, then looks back at Tim. “I’m good, sir. Thank you. Just ...” He pauses, rubbing his jaw with the backs of his fingers. “You wanted to see me before I head to school?”
“I did.” Tim nods, straightening his tie. “I wanted to ask about your dad.”
Joshua’s head snaps up. “My dad?”
“Yeah, you know,”—Tim shrugs—“he and I still email fairly regularly, but I haven’t actually seen him since, what ... ? When was that? Before Christmas?”
A muscle twitches in Joshua’s jaw, his gaze hardens, and I shift on my feet, suddenly feeling like I shouldn’t be listening to this conversation. Looking away, I bite into my apple again, but their voices still travel to my ears over Kimmie’s and Rebecca’s.
“Thanksgiving,” Joshua says.
“Right. Well, I understand it’s been a busy year for him, and our arrangement still stands, so I don’t want you to worry about that, all right? But I just think ... well, I think it would be nice for him to come out here again. I hope you don’t mind, but ...” When Tim pauses, my focus swings back to them mid-chew. “I emailed him this morning to invite him over.” Tim pats Joshua’s arm. “Is that all right with you?”
Joshua’s nod is so slight I almost miss it. “Yes, sir.”
“Great.” Tim sighs, his shoulders relaxing. “I didn’t want to cross any lines, and I know you’re an adult, but, well ... guess it’s a dad thing.” He gives Joshua’s arm another pat, then moves to join Rebecca and Kimmie behind the counter.
Joshua stands in place, his eyes glued to the wall straight ahead, his entire body tight and unmoving. Something flicks through his expression, shadowing his features, but it’s gone just as fast. After a beat, he scrubs a hand through his hair and yanks open the back door.
Then he’s gone.
