Page 58 of Rooster

“I would guess not.” Since I’d opened the door, I figured it was as good a time as any to say, “You know how I've been spending a good bit of time with Ronin, and I’ve grown to really care about him.”

Nathan shrugged. "Yeah, Mom. I know, and it’s cool. Ronin’s a good dude.”

"Are you sure about that? Because I don’t want you to think that I’ve forgotten about you or Samantha." I reached over and put my hand on his knee. "I love you and your sister so much. You guys mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t ever want to do anything to hurt you or make you unhappy.”

Nathan had grown up so much over the past year. He was taller, more mature, and reserved, but he was still the same sweet kid he’d always been. He pondered for a moment, then shrugged and said, "Mom, it’s really not that deep. If he makes you happy, then we’re happy.”

“Nathan.”

“I mean it, Mom. It’s cool.””

I reached over and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I love you more than you could possibly know.”

“I love you, too.”

“Since you’re good with everything, Ronin has invited us to come spend the weekend out at his house. He lives out at the coast, and he said we could grill out and make a fire. Maybe go sledding.”

“Yeah, that sounds awesome.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I just have one favor.” His face twisted into a grimace. “If you were talking about what I think you were talking about, don’t be doing that where we can hear it or whatever.”

“Yeah, sure thing.”

“Good. Then, we’re golden.”

I chuckled, grateful for my precious son. “You know if you are ever worried or....”

“Yeah, I know.” He motioned his head over to his TV. “Can I get back to my game now?”

“Yeah, go ahead, but don’t stay up too late. Since you’re out of school tomorrow, we’re going to go see your grandparents.”

“Oh, man. Do we have to?”

“Yes, we have to go. They haven’t seen you in weeks, and they’re really looking forward to seeing you. And I hate to break it to you, but you’re gonna need to take a shower before we go. Either tonight or in the morning.”

“Oh, man. Now, you’re just being extra.”

“I don’t want you going to grandparents with the funk, Nathan.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll take a stupid shower.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” I stood up and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, sweetie.”

“Night, Mom.”

I left his room and went to check in on Samantha. To my surprise, she was already in bed and sound asleep. I walked over and tucked her in. After I gave her a quick kiss goodnight, I went to my room and got ready for bed. I’d just gotten into my PJs when the Imperial March from Star Wars ringtone started playing on my phone, and I immediately groaned.

It was the one I’d chosen for Chad, and I cringed every time I heard it. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and checked the message:

Chad:

I want to take Nathan hunting this weekend.

Me:

It’s my weekend.

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