“I want a new laptop, and Dad said I have to work to earn some of the money.”
“What a meany.”
“Right?” Ally agreed. “He could just go out and buy it, but he’s always lecturing me on how much more I’ll appreciate things if I use my money to buy them.”
“He’s a terrible father,” Jay said solemnly.
“I’m not allowed my phone after I get home from school either. I have to do”—she raised her hands in the air and made finger quotes—“kids’ stuff, like playing outside.”
“He’s the worst,” Jay added.
“Phoebe read some study on how bad screens are for kids, and Dad thought it made sense. I don’t.”
When Ally screwed up her face like that, she looked like the eight-year-old she’d once been.
“I guess you’re setting a good example for your little bro, though.”
“I guess, but Leo’s only young still.”
“Right, and you’re so old, so there’s that.”
Ally poked out her tongue. “Gotta go, Uncle Jay.”
“Have a good day, Ally.”
She didn’t move, just studied him.
“What?”
“I like Blue Jay McAllister. I think she’s a nice fit for you, Uncle Jay.”
“Why do you think she’s a nice fit for me?”
“Because you’re nice too. See ya.”
With a golf ball sized lump in his throat, he sat there watching her coltish legs peddle away from him.Because you’re nice too.
“Hey.”
He looked behind him and found Blue dressed in a long T-shirt—his T-shirt, he noted. Her hair was a mess, eyes squinty. Something tightened inside his chest.
I’m so gone.
“Hey, you.”
She came to his step and dropped down beside him. Blue then took his mug and drank deep.
“That’s still hot.”
“Hmm.”
When she lowered her head to his shoulder, every muscle in his body stiffened. Jay forced himself to relax. Couples did this kind of thing all over the world.
But you never have.
“So mornings are not your thing, Blue Jay?”
“They used to be,” she said around a yawn.
