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You were trying to protect me. You were being the dad, and you were the best dad ever.
I’m so sorry.
I’m just so very sorry.
I really miss you.
Pinkie promise me you’re living it up on the other side? Dancing with Grandma, annoying Grandpa? Also, if you’re able, can you please help me prank Clint? Are you able to get birds to shit on him? That’d be awesome.
Totally not sure if it’s cool that I ask that, but if it happens, YOU’RE AWESOME, DAD!
Okay. Signing off because Alred is bringing a red dress, which isn’t at all my color, my way and he has a look in his eyes. I’m sensing a battle coming.
Love you, Dad. Always. Forever.
Ramsay
57
RAMSAY
Clint: What are you up to?
Me: Dress shopping with Gem, Theresa, and Alred. You?
Clint: At Scout’s. Cohen’s here too.
Me: You guys are okay then?
Clint: Yeah. All good. Just being stupid. We’re thinking of going to the movies tonight. Want to join?
Me: Yes! I asked the rest. Theresa and Alred are in. Gem has to work at Mario’s for a bit.
Clint: Cool. See you there or pick you up?
Me: My mom will drive us. They’re going to sleep over and we’re going to have a dance party tonight. Want to join in that too?
Clint: Um . . .
Me: It’s cool. You’re too cool for a dance party, unlike two summers ago when—
Clint: Keep talking, and I’ll unleash Cousin Prank War again.
I stopped texting. No one wanted Cousin Prank War to happen. Trenton ended up in handcuffs the last time.
Pine River’s movie theater was The Fritz Movie Cinema, one of a national chain that were known for their large movie screens, lounge chairs, and also a giant slide that each one had extending from the side. Pine River’s was no different, except it was on the river where one side had a screen for those in the river and the rest of the screens were inside. The outside was made of brick with a large marquee in flashing red lights that displayed the theater’s name. A person could go up to the third floor, go down the slide that took you outside of the building, and then come back in through the side door. It was important to note that the third floor was only built for the slide. It was a small loft area, while sometimes it seemed stupid to have a third floor because of a slide, it was a genius marketing plan. While we stood in line, I counted thirty people going up for the slide. That was people, little kids, teenagers, and even adults.
All in all, Pine River’s movie theater was kinda awesome.
My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out to check the text.
Gem: I like having a job. I like working with family. I like having $$! BUT I really hate having a job this weekend. The game and now the movies without me?
Me: Dance party after.
Gem: Gah. Agh. Gah. Agh! That’s what’s getting me through. Theresa’s picking me up when you’re done with the movie.
Theresa nudged my elbow. “That Gem?”
I nodded, putting my phone away.
“She still pissed that she’s missing the movie?”
I nodded as Alred shoved in too. “She’s more pissed she’s not going to the movies with those five gorgeous specimens.” He pointed to my cousins, who were at the concession stand with Scout, Cohen, and my mom. She’d insisted on paying since she was the adult who’d been honored with an invitation to the movie night. Honored. Invited. Of course she’d think like that, and she was glowing.
Alred groaned, biting his lip. “I can’t decide whose butt is the cutest. I think it’s Scout’s or Trenton’s. Both have top-notch asses. And Scout is tied for best biceps with Cohen. Clint has the best face. And Alex has the best chest.”
Theresa and I looked at him.
He held up his hand, still looking at the guys. “I took Scout out of the running for that. He’s a fighter. It’s not even fair. Your mom, though.” He tipped his head, his grin softening. “She has the best smile of them all.”
I smiled. “Thank you. I’m going to tell her.”
“I hope it goes to her head because your mom is a hot mama.”
I shifted to watch them. My mom was at the counter, pointing to the popcorn prices with Alex. Scout and Cohen had stepped back. Scout’s face was locked down. He looked as if he was bored but I could tell he was uncomfortable with my mom paying for him.
I texted.
Me: Let her pay. She gets a high from it.
He pulled his phone out and glanced my way. His gaze was hooded.
Scout: Doesn’t feel right. Your mom does double shifts at the nursing home.
Scout: And I’ve been banging her daughter while she’s working those shifts.
I sighed.
Me: Let her pay. It’s how she shows love. She’s in her element right now.
