Page 35 of Smitty

“That’s a tough one.”

“You haven’t heard the half of it,” I scoffed. “That kid I mentioned…”

“Yeah?”

“There’s a chance she could be mine.”

He didn’t laugh or tease. There was no smartass comment or even a grin. Goose just shook his head and said, “Damn. It just keeps getting better.”

“Exactly.”

“How old is this kid?”

“Can’t say for sure… Year and a half or so.”

“I’d say it’s time for you two to have a conversation.”

“You think?”

“Then, have one.”

“Not that easy.”

“Why’s that?”

“Don’t have her number. I don’t know where she lives. Don’t know anything.”

“That’s an easy fix.” He pulled out his phone. “We just gotta tell Shep, and…”

“No,” I cut him off. “That’s not how I want to find out.”

“You don’t gotta go full throttle, brother.” He shrugged. “I’m just talking about an address. Or are you gonna wait another two years to cross paths with her again?”

He had a point. I couldn’t just sit around and wait for answers. I’d already tried that, and it got me nowhere. This couldn’t wait. I needed to know what happened and if I’d been imagining those blue eyes being just like mine.

“I just need a name, brother. Shep will do the rest.”

I thought back to the way she’d looked at me, so lost and yet full of hope, and I knew what I had to do. I looked up at Goose and said, “Just the address.”

“Whatever you say, brother.”

I gave it one last thought, then I finally said the words.

“Brooke Lancaster.”

8

BROOKE

“You have to do it.”

“No, I don’t.”

“It’s a great opportunity.”

“I have a great opportunity right here.”

“It’s not the same, and you know it.”