Page 92 of Hand Picked
“I’m the one who documented Part the Sixth. You commingled yon flocks or some shit. Well done, kids.”
He returned to the house while still belly laughing.
The ride back to Luke’s was awkward as hell. None of us spoke until it seemed Knox finally couldn’t stand it anymore.
“How’d it go at Curt’s office, Webb? Any news about the custody stuff with Amanda?”
The reminder of the orchard deed sat heavy on my heart. I wanted to tell Luke about it so he could hear it from me, but I was due to pick up Aiden in twenty minutes from Olin’s house. Now wasn’t the time.
“We’re going to allow unsupervised overnights,” I said numbly. “But Curt’s going to try and make sure there are some parameters in place.”
Luke didn’t contribute to the conversation or ask any questions. His lack of involvement made me feel even worse.
Knox tried to include him. “Luke, how was your day?”
“Good. Spelling bee was this afternoon. I won’t tell you how Aiden did, since I know he’ll want to tell you himself, but I was really proud of him.”
“He won?” Knox demanded.
I cuffed him lightly on the head. “He just said he wasn’t gonna tell. Jesus.”
“No, but let’s just say I was even more impressed with his attitude than with his performance. It’s a hard thing not to get everything you want,” he said softly. “It’s even harder to do it gracefully.”
That was the damn truth.
Silence fell again.
When Knox dropped us off, he shot me a look I couldn’t interpret. I followed Luke back to the kitchen door. I needed him to know I wanted to talk even though I didn’t have time to do it now.
“Listen,” I began. “I have some things I need to say about the land—”
“Thanks for helping me get the animals sorted,” he said quickly before I could continue. “I was freaked out when I got home and saw them all mixed in there together. I was worried about the lamb because she’s too small to protect herself. But don’t worry about staying. I know you’re busy. I ran into Maryanne at the school pickup, and she said you and Aiden and a bunch of other families were meeting up tonight to make posters for the Spring Fling Scout booth. So that’s awesome. I know Aiden’s really excited. And if you need any poster supplies, let me know! I have a ton. Well, you’ve seen them. In my trailer. That’s where I still keep them. I’m kind of using it as a Pick-a-Book office right now. The trailer, I mean.”
I stepped forward to grab him and slam my mouth against his to shut him up and stop his nervous babbling, but before I got close enough, the door opened, revealing his mom and aunt.
“There you are! Everything all settled?”
The look on Laura’s face was hopeful and clearly indicated an interest in more than the animal mix-up. I shook my head.
Luke plastered on a fake smile. “Definitely. But Webb has to run. He’s got a thing with Aiden tonight. Have fun! Tell Aiden I said I can’t wait to see how the posters turn out.”
Before I knew what was happening, I was in my car, headed down the long driveway.
Alone.
Much later that night, after my fingers were stained with marker ink, my knees were sore from crawling around on the school gym floor, and my talkative son was finally silently sleeping, I slumped into a kitchen chair and let Uncle Drew pour me a beer.
“Long day?” he asked.
I took a deep glug of the cold beer. It tasted amazing. After I swallowed, I took a breath. “Do you have any idea how many people cracked a joke tonight about me commingling my flock?”
Drew smiled and shook his head. “Marco was pretty desperate for one of those scrolls.”
“It’s one thing for the other folks in town to be all up in my business about it, but family? C’mon.”
Drew’s smile dropped. “Hey. Watch it. Marco loves you, and he cares about Luke very much. It’s nothisfault you managed to stick your foot in your mouthandhave your head up your ass at the same time where Luke Williams is concerned. That little pretzel of dumbfuckery is of your own making. Marco happens to believe you and Luke are perfect for one another just like I do, so don’t blame him for helping that along.”
I sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a long day. And… I…”
