AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’re moving,” she blurted.
What?
This was the first I’d heard of it. When did we start keeping secrets? “Are you talking about moving to a bigger apartment because your family is expanding?”
“To DC.”
I fought back what I wanted to say, because Crystal was still on pain meds and in a hospital. But right now, I wasn’t feeling so hot, either. “How am I supposed to teach my nephew or niece all my bad habits if you’re all the way in DC?”
“It’s really not far. We can get together…”
“On holidays? Birthdays? I don’t think so,” I said. “I want to be part of this baby’s life. Part of yours. You’re my best friend. We’ve been through everything together.”
“Then I guess there’s only one thing for you to do,” she said.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Move to DC with us,” she smiled.
“Crystal, my business is here,” I said. I know I can run my business from anywhere, and I have traveled for work, but I didn’t want to live in DC. I just didn’t want to tell her that. I want what you two have, just not in DC.
She placed her hand on her stomach and said, “Do you really want to cry at funerals more than rock this little one?”
That is not fair.“You know I’d do anything for you, but I need to be able to support myself. Besides, I like what I do. Even if you don’t get it, I don’t want to walk away from it.”
“You’re right, I don’t get it. You go to these funerals and bawl your eyes out, but never once in all these years have I ever seen you cry for real. Bet you didn’t even cry when you found out I was in an accident.”
“I almost fainted,” I said.
“Cry?”
I shook my head. “That doesn’t mean I wasn’t scared to death for you. I love you so much, Crystal. I just…don’t cry.” It wasn’t like I was a monster or something. Even when I was a toddler, my parents said I wouldn’t cry. Maybe that’s why I like funerals. I can get all the tears out without the heart-wrenching emotions behind them.
“I love you too, PJ. And you’re right, you love what you do.” Crystal yawned and said, “I’m sorry, but I’m tired. I think I’m just going to close my eyes for a little bit.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be here until Joey comes back.”
“Thank you. And next time, bring that handsome man of yours. I have some questions for him,” she said, then drifted off to sleep.
Not as many as I have for Joey.
If things were not so stressful for him right now, he’d be getting an earful. But he’d always be my brother, and I had a lifetime to make him pay for taking my best friend so far away from me.
I can’t wait to tell Clark when I get home. At least I know he’ll be on my side.I snickered to myself. If he even wants to hear about it.
There was nothing I could do. Joey and Crystal had already made up their mind. Even now, feeling so sad, not one tear came.
Maybe there is something wrong with me.
