Page 82 of Jay Bird

Jay Bird looked at Bear. “Don’t call me that.”

Bear smirked.

Jay Bird glanced toward the table again just as Willow stood and took Lily’s hand. Then they disappeared out onto the deck.

“I’m out.”

Joker stared at him. “We’re in the middle of a game.”

“You’ll survive. I’ll be back.” Jay Bird set his cue against the wall.

The knowing looks behind him were ignored with the expertise of a man who had spent years ignoring these idiots.

He walked onto the deck, scanning the space as he looked around, but there was no sign of Willow or Lily anywhere.

“They’re down on the beach.”

Jay Bird glanced toward the voice.

Derek stood near the railing, one shoulder resting against a post and a beer in his hand.

Jay Bird walked over. Then he saw them.

Lily was running toward the water with her arms out, squealing loud enough that Jay Bird could hear her above the waves. Willow chased after her, laughing as she caught the kid around the waist seconds before she charged headfirst into the Atlantic.

Jay Bird smiled. The two of them looked happy.

Derek glanced sideways at him. “You good?”

Jay Bird kept watching Willow. “Yeah. Better than good.”

That earned him a faint smile.

“Kinda figured.”

“Don’t start.”

“I’m not.”

They stood quietly for another moment.

Then Jay Bird said, “I told her about Amanda.”

Derek’s expression changed. “How did she take it?”

Jay Bird grinned. “She climbed into my lap and hugged me.”

Derek smiled.

“What?” Jay Bird asked.

“You’re smiling.”

“Am I not allowed?”

Derek chuckled and looked back toward the beach.

Jay Bird rubbed the back of his neck. “I also told her how I feel about her.”