Page 49 of Let It Be Me

“You miss having a boat?” I eye the empty dock at the end of the yard. It’s a strange sight.

“Not yet, but we’ll see how I feel come Fourth of July. You and Ruby sticking around all day?”

“Probably just a couple more hours.”

“You know what would be great? What if we have a little mini reunion this afternoon? I’ll call your aunt and uncle. I’m sure some of your cousins are around.”

I swallow. “I don’t know. I have to ask when Ruby needs to be back.”

“It’ll just be lunch, not a big party or anything. We need to celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”

“Your surgery! Everyone was wringing their hands over it. We ought to get together and?—”

“Celebrate my surgery? Dad, come on.”

“Well, not the surgery per se, but your recovery. Here you are healing and getting ready for the fall season just like we all hoped. You know your uncle can’t wait to talk football with you.”

“I haven’t even been cleared to exercise. My season’s still totally up in the air.”

Mom and Ruby walk out, and Dad immediately summons my mom to his side. “Gina, I was just thinking we ought to have your sister and the family over for lunch. Lorenzo hasn’t seen everyone in so long, and wouldn’t they all want to catch up now he’s done with surgery?”

I say nothing.

“Well.” Mom glances at me. “I don’t see why not. If everyone’s available and the kids are up for it.”

Ruby’s following the conversation, her features slowly tightening. She takes in my expression quickly and looks at my dad. “Actually, Joe, I have to get home and finish an assignment for my summer class. I’m so sorry.” She looks apologetic.

“Oh,” Dad says, deflating.

“Totally fine,” my mom insists. “School is more important. We can plan something later this month. And, hey, we’ll have everyone here for my birthday in a few weeks!”

“Right. Good.” I blow out a breath. My mom’s is always the final word.

“Sure,” Dad says halfheartedly.

After an awkward silence, Ruby turns to me. “I’m gonna go give the cats their final dose.”

“You want help?” I ask, hoping she’ll catch the tone in my voice. But she’s already saved me once today. This time I’m on my own.

“I’ve got it.” She excuses herself and turns for her house.

Mom heads inside. When it’s just me and my dad, he turns to me.

“I know your cousin would like to see you.”

I look out at the lake. “Would he, Dad?”

He rocks back on his heels, following my gaze out toward the water.

I scrub a hand over my face. I don’t want to be like this. “So how’s he doing?”

The pause that follows is the real answer. “Doing okay. He’s got a job.”

“Doing what?”

“Stocking shelves. It’s steady work.”

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