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“Can you borrow Wilda’s? Or have her take you?”

“Hmm. Not sure about that.”

“Ahh…the beers are because of Wilda.”

Milo scowled. “Can we go, please?”

“Yes. If you need a ride in the morning, call me. I’ll be up to help Dad in the orchard.”

Milo patted Luke’s back. “I’ll let you know.”

Luke didn’t question Milo on the way home. Instead, he talked about the pool table, and how he couldn’t wait until Saturday to come see it and get some games in with their brothers.

“It’s going to be great.”

They arrived at the house, and Luke pulled up next to Wilda’s car. “Call if you need me in the morning.”

“Thank you.” Milo offered the leftover pizza to Luke, then got out of the car and waited until Luke drove away. He put Frenchie down, and the dog ran off to do his business. The porch light was on, but it was only seven, so the sun was still setting. He stayed outside long after Frenchie was done, then finally went onto the porch and tried the door. It was locked.

“Dammit.” Frenchie ran up to him. “She locked us out. Well, not technically. She didn’t know I’d left my keys with Gentry. I should’ve taken my damn house key off the ring. Who locks their doors out here?” He stepped off the porch. “Come on, boy. The kitchen door should be open.”

The kitchen door was locked, and Rachel’s voice echoed in Milo’s head. Fix the latch, Milo. “I fixed the damn lock, and now I’m locked out.” He sat down and leaned against the door. He would need to knock. But not yet.

The door suddenly opened, and Milo found himself on his back, half inside the kitchen. Wilda was standing over him.

“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

He sat up and rubbed the back of his head. “Not really.”

“Can I help you up?”

He got to his feet unassisted, then walked past her into the kitchen. Frenchie ran in behind him and went to his bed. Milo turned to Wilda and leaned against the counter as she closed the door.

He looked at her for a moment, then looked at the floor. “I guess we need to talk. Unless you want to keep on ignoring me and what happened.”

“I wasn’t…” She sat at the table. “Caleb is still up. Can we talk after he goes to bed?”

“Sure.”

“There’s some dinner in the fridge. I can warm it up for you if—”

He held up a hand. “I went to Rocco’s.”

“Oh. Okay.” She raised an eyebrow. “Did you and Frenchie have a beer or two with your pizza?”

“Frenchie stopped after one.” He pushed away from the counter. “I might’ve had another one or two. I’ll be in the living room.” As he was crossing through the dining room, Caleb ran up to him and hugged him. “Hey, Caleb.”

The boy looked up at him. “Hi.”

Milo smiled. “Hi.”

“Book?”

“Sure. I’ll read a book with you.”

Wilda came up to them. “Bath first. Then you can read a book.”

Caleb sighed, and Milo patted him on the head. “I’ll be waiting on the couch.” He went to the living room and leaned back on the couch. Then closed his eyes.