Page 117 of Joey

Wald doesn’t answer, but then, he really doesn’t have a chance. Michael Conner approaches us and says, “Good. You’re here. I heard rumblings that you were leaving.”

“We stayed,” Huck says.

“Where’s Maisy?” Joey asks. “She’s here for this part?”

“Yes,” Michael says. “Let me go find her so I can introduce her to your… friends.” He smiles at us. But I think I’m the only one who smiles back.

“Friends,” Huck says. “Hmm.”

“Hmm, indeed,” Wald whispers back.

But then the crowd parts for Michael Conner as he slowly leads two little girls through.

Maisy, the taller one, wearing a pink fluff of a dress with tulle skirts and a bodice embroidered with tiny pearls. And Malinda, the little one. Birthday tomorrow. Hundreds of people here to help her celebrate, wearing another fluffy dress, only in yellow.

And Joey was right about Maisy. She is lovely and so is her sister.

“Girls,” Michael says, bending down in front of them. “These are Joey’s friends. This is Brooke,” he says, pointing to me.

Both girls curtsey.

I die.

“And this is Huck.” They turn to him and repeat their act. “And this is Wald.” One more curtsey.

“Very sweet,” Wald says.

Maisy walks up to me and takes my hand. “That’s a very pretty ring.”

“Thank you.”

“Did Joey give it to you?”

“Yes,” I say. “He did, actually.”

“Are you getting married?”

I look at Joey. He smiles and bends down to Maisy. “She’s thinking about it, Maisy. But right now it’s just a promise ring.”

“I have one of those,” Maisy says, holding out her hand so we can see the tiny chip of a diamond on her finger.

“Who gave it to you?” Joey asks.

“My daddy did,” Maisy says.

Joey nods his head and stands back up.

“It was for her fifth birthday,” Michael explains.

“After my mommy left,” Maisy adds.

“She was worried I would leave too,” Michael says. “So I made her a promise.”

Joey says nothing. Just forces a smile and nods.

“It’s very pretty,” Huck says, taking over. “I like it.”

“Thank you,” Maisy says.