Page 10 of Living with Death

Mom’s words flow through my mind,“Never drink alcohol. It’s unnecessary calories.”I wish she’d shut up.

“I love that show. Have you seen it?”

“I’ve seen a few episodes.”

“It’s a good one. I plan on drinking this and binge-watching it this weekend. Mikey is staying with their dad, and this little one has a playdate with her cousin, so I’m going to have the house to myself.”

“You gonna do some relaxing, Mama?”

“Yes, baby.” Leigh touches Rue’s forehead. “That is, if you’re better. How are you feeling?”

“I feel good.”

Leigh nods, but I see the concern on her face. A mother’s worry never goes away. I should know. Mine has worried about me being fat every day of my life.

“Coming down with a cold?” I ask.

“It’s always something with these kids. They’ll be fine all summer. I send them to school and bam. It’s cold after stomach virus after lice.”

I give her a sympathetic smile. “I hope you feel better. Here.” I reach down and pull a sucker out of my bag under the counter, sneaking it to her, so Mikey doesn’t see.

“Thank you,” Rue says with a crooked smile, her little red curls bouncing.

“You’re welcome.”

“Thanks, Mabel. See you later.”

“Bye.” I rub my thumb over my index finger. Looking out the window, I see Mikey’s shoe is missing.

I look over the register. “Jason, Mikey dropped his shoe. You should run it out to them.”

He walks over and picks up the shoe, standing still.

“Don’t think they’re going to wait forever,” I say.

He kicks into gear and heads for the door. “Remember, Leigh doesn’t have the kids tonight. It’s your chance to make a move.” I do prayer hands.

He blushes and runs out the door.

I smile as he gets her attention. The cart starts to roll when Leigh grabs Mikey. Jason stops it, scratching the back of his neck. They begin talking, and she gives him a smile I’ve never seen her wear.

I look over at Sam. “She knows he exists now.”

“She damn sure does, and she’d be a fool not to let him relieve some tension.”

“When do you not think about sex?” I ask.

“When I’m asleep. Oh wait, never mind.”

I laugh, grabbing some bags from under the register. I slide them onto the bag hooks.

“Mabel.”

I look up. Sam is watching me. “What?” I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose.

“Did you sleep okay last night?” she asks. “You’re acting strange.”

“Stayed up later than I should have. Working on the house.”

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