Page 111 of Let's Get Textual

“Watch it, Slug,” Jack says sternly.

“Why do they call you Slug?” I ask.

Zach scoffs. “Because he’s a slimy little shit.”

“Because they said my newfound baseball fame was getting to my head. I was eight when it started.”

“Hey, we didn’t start calling you Slug until you were fourteen and walking around like your shit didn’t stink,” Jack corrects.

“I’ve watched a few of your games, and you have a reputation around school. My friend Zoe said she knows you.”

His eyes fall to slits and I know he knows exactly who I’m talking about. “Zoe, huh? I don’t know a Zoe. Must be another one of my fans.”

“Huh, must have you confused with someone else.”

“Did Zoe describe him as being a jackass? If so, it’s definitely Slug.”

Shep smirks and eats his food, giving me weird stares throughout the rest of the meal.

Two plates later and I’m done. I couldn’t eat another bite, not even if someone stuck a plate of brownies in front of me, and I fucking love brownies.

Jack and Rose are out too, but the boys keep eating, each on their fourth plates.

“How? How can you even stick another bite in your mouth?” I question, watching as Zach takes another bite.

“Years and years of practice.”

His speech is slower and I can tell he’s getting full. The full belly is making him tired; I foresee a nap in our future.

After polishing off everything on his plate, he finally pushes it away.

“I can’t. I’m done. I’ll have to come back later.”

“How later?”

“Hours. Many, many hours.”

“I’m out too. Dad, game?” Shep asks.

“I’mwatching the game. You’re helping your mother clean up.”

Shep grumbles but grabs his plate and takes it into the kitchen. Zach and I follow, our plates and others in hand.

“So what are you kids doing the rest of the day?” Rose queries as we help her cover a few of the dishes and put them in the fridge.

“I was thinking a nap sounds great,” I say.

“I’m with her.”

“And the rest of the weekend?”

“I plan to take Delia to the diner for a milkshake, maybe walk the riverfront, show her around a bit.”

“It’s a beautiful town,” I tell Rose.

She nods enthusiastically. “I couldn’t agree more. I actually grew up here. When Jack earned his promotion and the kids were old enough, we moved back. I love it even more now.”

“What’s so special about this diner?”

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