“The bookstore is closed, but I’m sure Willow would love to go with you tomorrow. She loves books,” I tell her.
“Doesn’t she practically have a damn bookstore in the loft of her barn?” Dirk says.
“Yeah, but those are all children’s books.”
“That’s exactly what I’m looking for!” Jenny says excitedly. “I know it’s been a long day, but can we stop?”
“Sure,” Dirk says, shrugging. “Jesse’s busy painting a mural in the baby’s room over at Lily’s. Ray moved in with your mom yesterday, so the room is empty now.”
I laugh at the way Jenny’s mouth falls open.
“You do know they’re getting married?” Dirk asks.
“Well, yeah, but I guess ... I don’t know. I didn’t think about themlivingtogether.”
“That’s what most couples eventually do.”
“I know, but she’s my mom. It’s … well, I don’t know. I don’t want to think about it.”
Dirk and I both laugh.
“Now you know how your son feels when you two get all handsy.”
“We do not,” she says indignantly.
“Mhm, whatever you say.” He turns into the farm which instantly sidetracks her.
“I hope Willow has what I’m looking for,” she says, sliding to the edge of the seat.
“Are you looking for a book for Aspen?” I ask, letting her out of the truck.
“No … Charlotte,” she answers, hurrying over to meet Willow as she rounds the house.
“We’ll wait for you here!” I yell to her.
She waves her hand over her head. The girls are already on a mission.
Dirk and I take the opportunity to smoke, leaning against the bed of his truck.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
I drop my head. “Taking those pictures down fucking sucked, but I know it had to be done at some point.”
“You miss her?”
“Every fucking day,” I tell him honestly.
“Why don’t you and Jenny just move into the house. No one is going to think anything about it. If I thought it was wrong, I’d be the first to tell you.”
“I know, but I’ve always liked living at the warehouse, and I think Jenny does too. I’m sure someday we’ll get old like you and Jess and move out.”
He slaps me in the gut so hard I double over, coughing. “You’re such an asshole,” I rasp.
“Jesse is fucking younger than you,” he reminds me.
“I was only joking.”
His dark chuckle tells me he knows it was a joke, but he doesn’t care. No one disrespects his old lady. Even me.
