Naomi takes her hand and leads them down the hall.
I wait a minute before following behind.
Naomi shows Rebekah her small library of books and various toys. Rebekah sits on her bed, watching Naomi move around her room excitedly.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I want to ignore it, but it could be June again.
I check it and smile. It’s Mae.
I don’t read the text and slide the phone back in my pocket, I’ll have to get to her later.
7:30 rolls around, and it’s time to wrap things up.
“Wrap it up, princess, it’s time to start getting ready for bed.”
She gets off the couch and gathers her coloring stuff, stacking it up.
Rebekah stands. “Can I have a hug?” she asks Naomi.
Naomi shyly hugs Rebekah. “Bye, I guess I’ll see you later,” she says.
“You will,” Rebekah says without hesitation.
“Go on, I’ll be there in a minute.”
Naomi nods and makes her way back to her room.
“Thank you, Cooper,” Rebekah says.
“You’re welcome.”
I walk Rebekah to the door, and she puts her shoes on. “When can I see her again?” she asks.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll call you and we can talk about it. I don’t want to throw her schedule off too much. It’s important, and I know she’s only seven, but this is a lot for a kid.”
Rebekah pins her lips together. “Do … do you think she recognized me?”
I saw the look on Naomi’s face. I know she didn’t, but my goal is not to rub salt in the wound. “I’m not sure,” I tell her.
She seems to accept that and reaches for the door.
“I’ll see you later,” she says.
“Yep.”
Rebekah walks down the stairs and over to her car. I probably should have asked where she’s staying, but one thing at a time. I wait until the taillights are out of sight before I go check on Naomi.
The bathroom wafts steam out of it, and I flip on the bathroom fan she always forgets to turn on.
“Did you wash your hair?” I ask her as she carefully brushes the wet strands.
“I told you I could do it.”
“Did you get all the soap out this time? Otherwise, we’ll have to rinse in the sink again,” I ask her.
“Ugh, yes,” she groans and sets her brush down before grabbing her toothbrush.
I get mine and we brush our teeth together.
