Page 53 of When We Were Young

“I guess if he wants to, it’s okay,” I say.

Layla and Simon rush over.

“Uncle Harry, can you send the pictures to Lizzie? We’re making a bug book!”

“I just need her number,” Harrison says.

“That’s easy,” Layla declares, handing me Harrison’s phone. She directs her attention to me. “You just text yourself from his phone and then you’ll both have the numbers.”

I hesitate—just for a second—then send myself a brief text message from Harrison’s phone.

“Where’d you learn that?” Georgie asks.

Layla shrugs. “Sometimes when I’m with Uncle Holden, girls try to do that with him ‘cause he’s handsome.”

My chest tightens. Sharp. Unexpected.

“Jesus, hell,” Harrison mutters.

“Uncle Harry!” Layla scolds. “No bad words!”

“Sorry, Ladybug.”

He glances at Simon. “Hey, I’m Harrison.”

“Hi,” Simon says softly.

Layla whispers something, and Simon sticks out his hand.

Harrison grins and shakes it. “Want to get ice cream with us?”

“Yes, he does,” Layla answers.

“Let him answer,” Harrison says, his voice full of gentleness.

Simon looks at me.

“If you want to go, you can,” I tell him.

He nods at Harrison. “Yes, I’d like to, please.”

“Okay. Are we ready?” Harrison asks the kids.

“Yep. Bye for now, ladies,” Layla says.

“Bye, Georgie. Bye, Mom.” Simon gives me a hug, and then they’re off.

They don’t make it far before Layla stops and glances back, her eyes finding mine.

“Don’t worry about those girls and Uncle Holden. He doesn’t really like them.”

My stomach drops.

“What the hell was that about?” Georgie asks.

I exhale slowly. “I didn’t want to talk about Holden yet, but I guess I should.”

Her eyes widen. “No, Lizzie. You cannot go there. He’s hot, yes, and I love him like a brother, but he’s not a commitment-type of guy.”