Page 71 of Reeves

His face falls just a little, but he doesn’t argue. He drops the book and clutches it against his side as he glances down the hallway.

Right then, Reeves steps back into the living room, drying his hands on a paper towel.

Benjy turns immediately.

“Will you read this with me?”

Reeves glances at the black military-looking watch on his wrist, then back at Benjy’s hopeful face.

“Not tonight, buddy. I’ve still got a long drive ahead of me.”

Benjy’s shoulders drop slightly, but Reeves continues.

“Maybe another time.”

Another time.

The words hang in the air between us. Benjy accepts them immediately, nodding like the promise is already locked in place.

“Okay. But next time we should definitely read it before we go to the beach. So we know more about helicopters and stuff.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

He’s already assuming there will be a next time.

My stomach tightens.

“Thanks for making the effort today,” I say, following Reeves onto the porch. “Benjy had a great time.”

The night air carries the salt smell of the Gulf, cooler nowafter sunset. Crickets chirp in the darkness while a few seconds of silence stretch between us.

“Kid's got good instincts,” Reeves finally says.

Benjy bounces onto the porch beside us, apparently not ready for the night to end.

“You’re coming back tomorrow, right? It's Saturday, so we can play all day!”

Reeves glances at me before answering.

“That’s up to your mom.”

Benjy looks at me immediately, waiting.

It's up to me? Are you fucking kidding me? I want to say yes. The word sits right there on the tip of my tongue.

But I can still hear Reeves’s voice from years ago, steady and certain. He said in no uncertain terms that he doesn't want a family or children. Forcing this wouldn't be good for any of us.

“Let’s get ready for bed, kiddo,” I say. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”

Reeves steps off the porch and walks toward his truck.

“Bye, Reeves!” Benjy calls as the driver’s door opens.

“See you later, buddy. I had fun this afternoon. Thanks for showing me all of your pirate traps.”

Benjy buzzes beside me.

Later. Not tomorrow. Later.