Page 91 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

Sully: It’s a rule for a reason

Reid: Damn straight. She looks good in pants too

Camden: Most common injuries for hoverboards are fractured hands/arms and head injuries

Rico: Why do you know this?

Marcus: Clark Kent in the house

Titan:

Camden: Firework burns account for 32% of the injuries in July

Rico: Bro.

Sully: Rico thinks he doesn’t need his fingers to play

Rico: I don’t. I don’t need them at all to play, if you catch my drift

Sully: Deep sigh

Marcus: Why is he even in this chat?

Rico: You love me, that’s why

Marcus: If you say so

Miles: Where’s Ty, he’s always down for food

Reid: Tyler?

Reid: You coming over?

Camden: Ty?

Sully: T?

Rico: Fine, I’ll bring Tammy instead

Chapter 37

Jonah

It’s the Fourth of July, and my need for a holiday or to celebrate is sitting at less than zero. But having a kid who thinks holidays are special means we have to honor every one.

Every. Single. One.

Not that I wouldn’t for her anyway, as these years are the magical years. Once she becomes a teenager and then older, the allure will shift and change. I know us together creating these memories isn’t ideal because she should be with John and Ashley, but the least I can do is still try to make her childhood idyllic.

“Thanks for taking us out today,” I tell Tyler as we take off toward St. Petersburg. All around us, boats are heading in the same direction. American flags are waving proudly. People are laughing, dancing, and in general having the best time. I wish I could say the same for us.

Last year, Tyler bought this boat. He had mentioned wanting one prior to that, but it wasn’t until the Tarpons gave him a three-year extension that he pulled the trigger. This boat, well, technically it’s a yacht, is thirty-four feet and designed for fishing and water sports. While it can hold a nice-sized group of people, I’d say six to eight is best, especially considering our size. Two to three in the front, two in the middle, and two to three in the back. And of course Tyler wouldn’t be Tyler if he left off a Tarpons flag and a pirate flag.

Vivi thinks the pirate flag is funny, but he’s like, “Hey, you never know what we might find.” Her seven-year-old imagination has run wild.

The boat bounces a little as it picks up speed, and I watch as Vivi holds on to Molly to keep her from losing her balance. I appreciate him letting us bring her because, inevitably, she will pee on the floor. It’s too long in one place, and well, she’s a puppy. He just shrugs and says, “This boat has seen worse,” and hoses it down like it’s no big deal. Worse meaning fish guts. While I might tease Tyler about eating at our house all the time, every time he takes the boat out, he always brings back fresh fish, Gulf shrimp, and lobsters when they’re in season.

“Of course.” He glances at me because he knows something is wrong, but doesn’t want to ask. He’s learned by now that if I want to talk about it, I will, if I don’t, I won’t. He and I are alike in that sense. He’s also had something going on this past week, which he hasn’t talked about, but I’m certain of it due to the permanent scowl on his face. Tyler is happy all the time, so his mood shift is noticeable.