Page 9 of You Fall First

They have to be.

On top of my full-time day job, I promised Paige I’d watch Dutton while she works overnight shifts at Havenwood. Tag-team kid time leaves no margin for a personal life. So letting the lines blur between reality and dreamland is a terrible idea. No, not just terrible.

Impossible.

I head over to collect Dutton, and Jo meets me by the kids. “Prepare to see one unhappy kid,” I say under my breath.

“Why is that?”

“We gotta get going.” I toss out an exaggerated wince. “Dutton’s nap time calls.”

Jo’s mouth quirks. “You mean Woody’s nap time,” she says. “Stop forgetting, Uncle Noah.”

“Right.” My lips hike into a lopsided smile. “Thanks for the reminder, Just Jo.”

In case you’re worried, I do survive Dutton’s freakout over leaving the rabbit at the farm. And the protest-filled drive home. Now I’ve got him back to my place and asleep. And by that I mean the poor kid finally passed out on the couch in the middle of an episode of Bluey. I’m racking my brain for afternoon activities that don’t involve screens when Dex checks in.

He must’ve finally seen the pic I sent of Dut and me dressed as cowboys.

Dex

Look out, ladies. Couple of straight-up studs right there.

Me

One of us is. The taller guy doesn’t have much game, though.

Dex

Say the word, and I’ll be your wingman. Bridge too. Just one night and we’ll have women eating out of your hand.

Me

Thanks, but those hands are already full being Uncle Noah. TBH I’m running out of ideas for what to do with Dutton.

Dex

When does Paige get back?

Me

She’s finishing up with the movers today and catching the red-eye tomorrow.

Dex

What’re you two dudes up to in the meantime?

Me

One of us is napping. The other one’s deciding if we’re allowed to eat grilled cheese for dinner again.

Dex

As long as the little guy’s fed, right? But if you’re sick of sandwiches, my mom would be all over feeding you. She lives for that kind of stuff. One text and you’re in.

Me

She doesn’t need two extra mouths to feed.