Dutch and Carolyn were also back, and it seemed they weregoing to sit and gab, instead of having dessert and then he and Archie couldget gone.
Which sucked.
This wasn’t comfortable, but it wasn’t entirelyuncomfortable.
He just wanted Archie to himself.
“And Dad semi-met Jagger outside an Arby’s.We had a lot offast food after Mom died,” Archie carried on.
And with that, she got the acute attention of everyone atthe table.
“She’s buried, I don’t know, twenty, thirty yards from yourdad’s grave.”She said this to Dutch.“Jagger was hanging out with your dadduring Mom’s funeral.We caught each other’s eyes and,” she shrugged, “we goteach other right away.Didn’t know his name.Didn’t know if I’d ever see himagain.Still, with that, he was my person for the rest of my life, you know?It’s just the way that shit works.”Pause for a sip, then, “I’m just reallyfreaking happy I saw him again.And the first time was at an Arby’s.”
Again, this was casual.
But it packed a massive punch.
It said to Dutch,Don’t worry, I got this and he meanssomething to me.
It said to Georgie,We’re on the same team.
And it said to Carolyn,Sorry, but he was meant to bemine.
For Jagger, she’d just announced to two of the mostimportant people in his life that he was her person.
So yeah.
A massive punch.
Awesome all around.
She returned her wineglass to the table.
When she sat back, Jagger tucked her tighter to his side.
Dutch cleared his throat.
Carolyn was twisting her wineglass back and forth by thestem.
It was Georgie, who had a flair with laying things out in anhonest but thoughtful way, who stated, “That’s one of the coolest things I’veever heard.”
“I know, right?”Archie replied.
It was then, Carolyn rallied.“Sorry about your mom.”
Archie looked her right in the eye and said from the heart,“Thanks, sister.”
“I haven’t been to your shop, I heard it was great, but I’mkinda, you know,” her eyes darted to Jagger, then back toArchie, “on an epic money diet.But maybe the three of us girls could go outfor coffee or something.”
“Hell no.”
That was Dutch.
And everyone looked at him.
He didn’t hesitate to explain.
“You are not instigating a Black Brothers Gossip Club rightunder our fuckin’ noses.”
