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"Do you still want me to come?"
"Yeah, of course, we do."
"Okay, well, I'll be there. It's at 3, right?"
"Yeah, but you are welcome anytime, Jay. You always have been."
"I know, Jud. I'm sorry I haven't been around much."
I can hear him shuffling, contemplating his response, "I'll see you tomorrow."
I've never felt so awkward in my entire life. I don't recognize anyone posted up outside, and at this point, I'll be glad to see Judson. It's weird to be at your own nephew's birthday party and not know anyone.
"Jay?"
The name almost sounds foreign to me, one I haven't heard since college. I hated my air name for the longest time but now being called anything other than Jamo feels wrong.
I turn my attention to the voice, Blakely running across the lawn, "As I live and breathe, Jameson Banks!"
Her squealing and hugs bring a smile to my face, "Hey, B."
"Oh my goodness, it almost doesn't feel real! Judson said your squadron is here now?"
"Yeah, we are."
For now. I think to myself.
"Come with me, let me find JC."
I can't help but notice her tiny bump through the fabric of her shirt. I didn't know she was pregnant again.
JC whines as his mom drags him away from the bounce house, "Honey, you remember Uncle Jay, right?"
He's grown a lot. Even has some missing teeth, it's crazy how things change in five years.
"Uh, a little bit," he whispers.
"Hey little dude, happy birthday!" I attempt to crush the awkward barrier with a fist bump. He laughs, crashing his fist into mine, blowing it up.
"Thanks!" He giggles, running back off to play.
"He's busy. Maybe you guys can catch up later," She offers me a smile.
"Yeah, no problem." I take his gift over to a table piled a mile high with presents and make my way back to Blake. Judson finally appears through the back door of their house, holding a birthday cake.
He places it down on the table, grabbing me into a tight hug.
"Missed you, brother."
"Me too," I agree.
Judson's attention is drawn down to his hip, a little girl yanking his shirt.
"Uncle Judson, can you help me with my shoes?"
Uncle Judson?
My mind goes in a thousand different directions, trying to remember Blakely having siblings.
