Page 2 of Vince
This earns me a dramatic eye roll. “No one deserves this more than you. I’m happy to help out.” He knows I won’t drink much. And he knows why I’d never take the chance behind the wheel. Yet he won’t let today pass as just another day either. That’s what good friends are for.
With that, I turn and lengthen my strides across campus. It figures with this being farthest class from Jules, today would be a day Van can’t pick her up. At this time of day, it’s difficult to be on time without making any stops. But there’s nothing I won’t do for her—or Vanessa for that matter.
In fact, I’ve done everything I can to make sure their needs come first. Refusing to let them be another statistic based on the stack we’ve been dealt. Hell, don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned to love Columbia River University, but it wasn’t my first choice. No—I’m here because it was Vanessa’s first choice. Me attending CRU is the only way she’d be able to reach her dreams, too.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m by no means a martyr. I’m getting a great education, but my plans to go away on my own to school went up in smoke right after graduation. Thank goodness, I’d already been accepted to CRU, and my counselor pulled some strings when he explained our situation. CRU’s become home to us, and I think it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Life’s way too damn short to live with regrets.
It helps that I love it here.
Walking across campus, I’m reminded of exactly why. Where else can you see St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood from one location? Not to mention the Columbia River in the far distance, from this particular spot. It’s just one of the many perks of living in the Pacific Northwest. I couldn’t have picked a better place if I’d tried. This was the perfect decision for our family, and the people we’ve met along the way have welcomed us like family of their own.
I arrive with minutes to spare. Walking into the daycare center, I’m greeted by Shannon, the girl who usually runs the pick-up station at this time of day.
“Hey, Vince. Julia will be out any minute. I saw you walking up and already told her to gather her things.”
“Thanks, Shannon. Vanessa had to work late.”
We’re interrupted by the sound of feet tapping against the tiled floor. I turn to see Julia’s bright smile as she closes the distance between us, practically running. God knows a three-year-old can’t walk inside, no matter how many times we remind her. Especially when she’s excited.
“I thought Momma was pickin’ me up?” she says as I bend, pulling her into a hug. She eagerly embraces me tight. She smells of fun and innocence. This hug is like a breath of fresh air, after being trapped with my thoughts all afternoon.
“Nope.” I pop the p purposely, making her giggle. “You get me tonight, squirt.” Standing to my full height, I bring her with me as she clings to my neck like the monkey she is.
“Can we make a cake when we get home? Momma said we’d make cake.” Her serious tone is just like her mom’s when she wants something. Clearly, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree.
This girl has a one-track mind. “Who do you think you’re dealing with? Of course, we’ll make a cake. But I get to lick one of the beaters.” I bop her on the nose with a grin. “You know the rules.”
This earns me an exasperated sigh, just like I’d get from Van if she were here and an intense eye roll from a pair of eyes that mirror my own. “You’re silly. I share with you. Always… Or next time, I don’t get any.”
Yep. She’s got the rules down pat. I set her on her feet and pat her head playfully before instinctively reaching for her hand. “You ready to get out of here and let Miss Shannon get on with her night?”
“Night, Miss Shannon.” Julia beams. “See you tomorrow. We’re makin’ a cake.”
Shannon chuckles lightly as she waves. “Have fun, you two. Don’t get into too much trouble.”
As sweet as can be, Julia smiles wide. “Don’t worry. Unks is trouble. Not me.”
