Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 96586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96586 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 483(@200wpm)___ 386(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“For having a public meltdown?”
“For not giving up,” Her hand gives mine a loving squeeze. “For finally sharing the devotion you have for your career with the other aspects of your life.”
Her wise words as well as the outward recognition that these truly are positive changes causes tears to line my bottom lids.
“None of that,” she sweetly fusses and loops her arm through mine. “You are not wearing waterproof mascara and the very cute, very young-looking version of Hugh Grant sales associate waiting to do business with us deserves to see you at your best, not the one point right underneath it.”
The smile she’s offered helps banish the tears.
“Now, come on,” Mom starts in tandem with her steering us off to the side. “I think I see a gray, plush, padded headboard he might be happy to help you break in.”
“Mom!”
Her saucy giggles only further rubricate my crimson shaded complexion.
While I’m not always thankful to have so many new things and so many new changes, I’m glad I can at least say my relationship with my family is the same.
At least I have their support during the transition.
I honestly don’t know if I could do this without them.
Chapter 5
Ryder
- “I knew the changes I was making needed to be for me.” -
“Who is the prettiest little girl in the whole wide world?” I lovingly coo at my niece. “You are.”
She giggles while clapping her tiny hands.
“That’s right. You are, bumble bee.”
More giggles.
More claps.
More reaching out for the collar of my Roscoe’s Wheels & Waffles work shirt.
We don’t actually sell waffles.
We just offer you a discount on them if you take your receipt to the local diner that’s owned by his big brother.
Employees get a free stack there once a week.
And after some of my longer fucking shifts, the ones where it takes too much energy to even think about what to eat, that shit is appreciated.
“Ot-oh!” I overly dramatically act out. “Here comes the mashed potato plane!”
Her eyes widen in surprise and excitement alike.
“Prepare for landing…” The spoon weaves from side to side, keeping her eyes and head moving as she does her best to follow. “Coming in hot!” Jerky motions are followed airy whoosh. “Open wideeeeeee…”
Shelby lifts both hands at the same time she parts her lips. Her welcoming of the under buttered mixture is much better than mine was.
After just one bite I had to mix mine with the sauce from the turkey loaf. It could’ve used more…something seasoning wise, but it beats the fuck out of the coconut red tofu curry she served last week.
I took McCoy’s last frozen corndog and promised to replace it later.
Shelly starts giggling while watching her daughter frantically chew through the bite in preparation of the next landing. “You really are great with her, you know that?”
“Thanks.”
“You want kids some day?”
Her question immediately shoots my gaze to her across the table.
“If not, you should really consider it.” She leans forward planting her flawless makeup painted face in the palm of her hand. “Or if you considered it and voted against the idea, you should reconsider the possibility.”
Kids require dating.
Dating requires finding someone you want.
There’s only one person I’ve ever wanted and while my life may be finally changing directions, forgiveness being offered on a multitude of levels, but that’s one second chance I’m not dumb enough to think I’ll ever get.
As for soberly looking for company of the opposite sex?
I can barely tolerate texting with Kara for any longer than half an hour.
Can’t imagine having to actually talk to someone for longer than that.
Even the idea of messaging on one of those apps gets on my fucking nerves.
I playfully poke, “You tryin’ to give my niece up for adoption or something?”
“Never,” Shelly snickers split seconds prior to her daughter grunting for another bite. “I just think that you are too good with them to only be an uncle.”
“They’re a lot of energy,” Noah mutters from her side, eyes planted on his phone.
His wife tosses him a teasing scowl. “How would you know? You are always working.”
“Not always.”
“Oh, is that right, Noah?” she continues with the tone while I fly a new scoop of potatoes into their little one’s mouth. “What are you doing right now?”
“Checking the weather.”
Her expression becomes as incredulous as mine.
“Uh-huh, and what is tomorrow looking like?” Shelly’s eyebrows lift in a challenging nature. “Could it possibly be cloudy with a chance of a cranky wife?”
“Two days in a row?” My brother jabs back on a grin, mirth-filled stare swinging up to lock with her.
They exchange good-natured glares that are followed by loving chuckles.
I hate to admit it, but…watching them gives me hope.
Makes me believe that some people really do fall in love and stay in love.
Vibrations from his phone suddenly begin prompting him to declare, “I have to take this. It’s Clio.”