Page 45 of Yours to Lose
Hannah
Jordan Wyles?
Me
Yes.
Hallie
How did that happen?
Me
It’s a long story, but I ran into him when he was in Pittsburgh in April to meet the babies. He looked like he needed a friend. And maybe some fun. We’re both in New York for the summer so…whatever. Fun and friends.
Hallie
Tread lightly, Jo. He’s still kind of fragile.
I roll my eyes because he’s definitely not fragile. Still grieving a little and trying to figure out where he fits in this new life he’s had to build? Definitely. But fragile? No. I remember what Jordan told me about his friends maybe waiting for him to go back to the version of himself he was before Allie died and realize he’s probably right.
Hannah
I think you’ll be good for him, and I’m glad you have a friend. I was worried about you in New York all by yourself this summer.
I snort out a laugh at the same time I feel soft all over at Hannah’s concern. She’s definitely the mother hen of the group.
Hallie
Same. It’s a long time to be there all alone.
Me
You both know I’m twenty-seven years old right? I may be the youngest, and I may be addicted to Fireballs and pink Converse, but I’m still a full-grown adult and I can take care of myself.
Hannah
You’re the baby of the family. We’ll always worry about you. Let us live, Jo Jo.
Me
Live away sistas. I gotta run. I’ll text you later. Love you. Hal, kiss the babies for me. And send pictures. Lots of pictures. All the pictures. Document everything. Forget nothing.
Hallie
You got it, Auntie Jo Jo.
I’m just knocking on Jordan’s door when my phone chimes again and I look down right into a picture of Caitlin and Jack post-bath, all wrapped up in hooded towels that look like dogs. I let out a little squeal and I’m melting into a giant puddle of love right on the floor when the door swings open.
“What’s that face?”
When I look up, Jordan’s looking at me with his brow furrowed.
“Oh, my god, you have to see what Hallie just sent me.” I hand him the phone and walk past him into the apartment, dragging my bag behind me.
Jordan glances at the phone and then hands it back to me. “Cute.”
“Cute?” I look at him in astonishment. “The two most gorgeous babies on the planet are wrapped in towels that look like animals and all you have to say iscute?”
