Page 157 of Will Bark for Pizza
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.”
Mom?
Grandpa Dale?
Mom?
Why is no one talking?
Why is no one paying attention to the funny walking bird?
“I better get Husker inside before he gets on Connor’s shit list.”
What’s a shit list?
“Kira?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not in this alone, you know.”
Mom is smiling.
That’s good.
Maybe I’ll get a treat.
Mom, can I have a treat?
“I know.”
Mom, why do you smell like New Best Friend?
FORTY-NINE
BECKETT
“What are you doing here?”I asked my sister when I spotted her out on the deck of Kat’s Place.She picked a table by the water, which was why it was easy to find her.
“Wow, I’m happy to see you, too, Beck.” She stood, giving me a hug.
I hugged her back and felt her wilt in my arms. Shit. Was she going to cry? I should have insisted she meet me somewhere more private. But I didn’t know if she had a car or if she’d be able to make the trek out to the cabin without blowing a tie rod if she did.
“Where are the twins?”
“Kyle took them to his parents’ place.”
“Oh.”
“It’s not what you think.” When she pulled back, there were no traces of tears, but she wasn’t wearing her usual dramatic makeup. She waved at the server and ordered a draft beer. Madeline was unaffected by the alcohol problem in our family. She could handle a single drink andnot crave another. She was never tempted to drown her sorrows with it.
“Then, fill me in.”
“Nana showed up.”
I nodded.
