Page 70 of Loved Out Loud
Now that she has time to really focus on me she does. I feel her big sister evaluation as she looks at me. “You look well rested. Have you been able to sleep better?”
“Yeah.”
“I guess performing is a good way to tire your mind out.”
“Something like that.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I met someone.”
Unease filters through her gaze. “It’s a little soon, isn’t it? You should be focused on your sobriety.”
“I’m not having any trouble staying sober.”
“Because you traded one addiction for another?”
Clocked like only a big sister could. “No. It’s different.”
“Who is it?”
“Hazel Archer.”
“The author that’s on tour with you?”
“Yeah.”
“Gross, look at your goofy little smile.” It’s her turn to gag now. “What’s she like?”
“She’s funny and smart and so goddamned talented without realizing it. She thinks all her success is a fluke and a stroke ofluck. Which it’s definitely not. I read her book in one sitting and what she's working on now is so good.”
“Maybe I’ll pick it up the next time I’m out.”
“You should.”
“Have you talked to Mom and Dad lately?” Her tone is light, but the topic is not.
“No.”
“I think you should. Just to check in and let them know things are going alright.”
“Or you could tell them.”
“They’re not mad at you, Ty. They just worry.”
And their worry feels like a lead weight attached to me. “I know.” I hate that I’ve disappointed them so much. They sent a flurry of concerned messages after seeing all the coverage of my altercation. The guilt eats away at me.
The sound of a sliding glass door opening in the background and then a loud squeal distracts us both from the serious turn in our conversation. “Unk Ty, I have to show you something.” I can’t see my niece, but I hear her wet little footsteps running across their marble floor.
“Oh God, what is that?” Tam looks horrified as Rosie fills the frame. “And why are you soaked?”
“Look, I caught a wizard.” She holds up her fist with a struggling blue lizard tucked tightly between her fingers. “Lost his tail though.” Her dark eyelashes are clumped together and her little curly pigtails are wet and matted to her head.
“That’s cool. I think when they lose their tails it’s because they’re scared, though. Maybe you should go put him back where you found him.”
“Okay, wuve you, Ty Ty.” She exits the frame while whispering to her lizard that it’s going to be okay.
“Love you, too, Rosie Posie.”
