It brings back the memory of Christmas Eve. Of the slinky little number that I wore for Derek. Of the powerful feeling it gave me.
“Actually, you know what? You’re right. Maybe we could get Uncle Jameson to babysit,” I suggest.
“I like hearing I’m right. So much so, that I’ll even agree to watch the kids for you.”
Jameson closes up his locker and starts to head out.
“Hey.” I stop Jameson and pull him in for a hug. “Thank you.”
“You know,” he starts. “It’s nice to see you acting like the crazy person for once.”
“I am not.” I smack him on the shoulder.
“You turned into me.”
“Would that be so bad?” I roll my eyes at him. “You’re a good person.”
“A good person who is moving in with his boyfriend.”
“We’ll have to celebrate once it’s official.”
“Just make sure you kno-ock.” Jameson sings as he’s out the door.
Thank God for working with your best friend. Nothing like him bringing a little perspective to things and making you feel better about life.
About the Missy situation. About Derek.
About our future. Because that is a conversation I am ready to have.
Chapter Twenty-Six
DEREK
“I’m sorry we couldn’t do this yesterday,” I tell Sutton.
“Having to hang out with you is such a chore.”
“Aren’t you funny?” I laugh, wrapping an arm around Sutton’s shoulders and pulling her close.
A warm breeze blows across the beach. Water laps against the shore as seagulls fly overhead. It’s the perfect spring day. It’s one of the reasons I love living in San Diego. Days like this.
“Did you have fun at the zoo?” Sutton asks.
I reach over and snag a fry from the small cone she’s holding and munch down on it. “We did. Buying him the membership for his birthday was perfect. Troy loves the giraffes.”
“So does Lydia. She loves their purple tongues.”
I laugh. “That’s Troy’s favorite too. Thinks they’re funny.”
“We should take them before your schedule gets too busy.”
“Missy got a membership for Troy yesterday, so maybe we can use that.”
“Missy was with you?” Sutton questions.
“Didn’t I tell you?”
She shakes her head. “No. But that’s fun.”
