Page 96 of Worth the Trip

“I do not have a look.”

“You’ve had that look since he was sixteen and brought home that girl who wore too much perfume.”

Lennox sat forward. “What girl?”

“Ancient history.”

“That sounds evasive.”

“It’s protective.”

“Of who?”

“My peace.”

Mama laughed, and I bent to kiss her forehead again before checking the blanket around her feet.

“Call me if you need me.”

“I won’t.”

“Mama.”

“Your daddy will.”

Daddy nodded. “I will.”

“Lennox too.”

My brother lifted his spoon. “I’m literally standing here.”

“I know.”

“You said that like I’m decorative.”

“You’re wearing one sock.”

“I can still use a phone.”

“Preserve that skill.”

Mama caught my wrist before I straightened.

“Have a good time, baby. And don’t spend the whole afternoon worrying because I’m tired.”

“I wasn’t planning to.”

She gave me a look that had dismantled lies since I was old enough to tell one.

I sighed. “I’ll try.”

“That’s all.”

I squeezed her hand once and stood.

At the kitchen entrance, I stopped. “What ice cream you want?”

Mama considered the question like I’d asked her to choose a retirement plan.