ROYCE: And she’s pretty
TOM: What the hell are you getting at?
ROYCE: Nothing
TOM: Exactly
ROYCE: But if I was getting at something I’d say Emerson and I are taking bets to see if Kat Harrington is the one that finally pushes you over the proverbial edge
TOM: There’s no edge
ROYCE: Edging can be fun
TOM: For fuck’s sake go do your job and leave my personal life out of it
ROYCE: What good is being your favorite nephew if I can’t get under your skin every once in a while?
TOM: You’re my only nephew
ROYCE: Doesn’t make me any less of a favorite
TOM: You’re fired
ROYCE: I’ll talk to you in the morning
TOM: Fine
ROYCE: Love you Uncle Tommy
TOM: Love you too kid
18
KAT
Iguess I shouldn’t have been surprised that Tom did, in fact, fit in as we walked through the halls of Ironwood Elementary and the one in the neighboring town. Teachers swooned, kids giggled and waved, and all the while he remained unobtrusive like he promised.
And helpful.
His expression stayed impassive as I read the same book to three separate sessions of students each day, fielding questions about Ollie and his dog Jinx’s latest adventure to the baseball stadium and when Lulu and her kitten Poppy’s newest story will be released.
My heart felt lighter with each read word and each conversation had. My stories are silly and fun—adventures from my childhood with Colt and the trouble we got into both real and pretend. It didn’t give me much time to think about what Tom saw when he looked at me, what he thought about this part of my business.
I’d built something all on my own, my books and brand, learning from every single mistake I made along the way. Itwasn’t easy and some days it wasn’t evenfun,but the kids always make it worth it.
Just like now.
Tom supplied me with snacks and water, sorted bags for each class, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this. He did things without me asking, anticipating everything I’d needed before I could even say the words out loud.
No one had ever done that for me.
I brought Colt one time and one time only because, even though he didn’t mean to, he completely stole the show. Kids and adults fawned over the professional baseball player as if I wasn’t even there, and while I love my brother and I’m proud of all he does, it was hard to keep my smile in place that day.
Another time I brought my parents when they were in town, and while it was great to have their support, it was more work to keep them on task. I’d left that event exhausted and deflated. It felt childish to want to throw a fit, but there were so few times whenIgot to be the headliner.
As me.
Not Colt’s sister.
