Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
I scrunch up my nose, veer away from the living room, and head for the kitchen. The one thing about Shane is he’s not going to cook, so at least there won’t be dirty dishes in the sink. The refrigerator is not on tonight’s agenda, either. The trash won’t be collected for a few more days, plus I rarely use the kitchen, preferring to keep everything in my room and away from Shane.
A quick opening and closing of the kitchen drawer, and I find what I’m looking for—yellow rubber gloves, then a pair of tongs for his dirty laundry. What I won’t be doing is putting them in the washer, another line in the sand I won’t deal with. I have enough shit on my plate. I’m not adding any extras. The trash can is thankfully empty. I make the trip back and forth to collect the empty drink cans, containers, and even plastic cutlery. A few minutes later, that’s done, and it’s on to the plethora of clothing items on the floor. What I don’t understand is the hamper is in the hallway, the same direction of Shane’s bedroom. Why can’t you just pick up along the way?
“Finally,” I breathe out to the somewhat clean house. There are still a million and one things I could do. But why bother when the other person living here dirties it up faster than I can clean it? Soon, I’ll have my house back to myself. This is a promise I’m going to keep. I toss the tongs in the kitchen sink, then place the gloves in there as well. I’ll have to clean them another day. While the house is empty, I’m going to lock myself in my bedroom.
I make my way back into my room and close the door, then thumb the lock into place. I immediately wedge my shoes off with the tip of my foot. My socks are next. After ripping them off, I finally feel something soft and plush beneath my feet. My eyes zero in on the bag, and excitement bubbles in my stomach when it absolutely shouldn’t. Handouts aren’t something I’m used to accepting, not since Mom needed help many years ago.
“Oh my god.” I pull out a beanie, a scarf, a new pair of gloves, a couple of thermal tops and bottoms. The last piece is what has me blinking away tears. A brand-new pair of sneakers. Catherine Johnson knew what I needed the most, much like Ryland. They have a heart of gold, and I have no idea what my mom and I did to deserve them all those years ago and years later now. One thing is for certain: once my shit is settled and I’m making enough to support myself, I’ll return the favor to someone else in need while also doing something for the Johnsons.
SIX
RYLAND
“Lawson, you got a minute?” The bomb that Sutton dropped last night had me rushing home. I fucking hated leaving her alone, even with what she claims to be her ex-husband being out of the house. There’s no guarantee he wouldn’t come back, which led me to more questions I don’t have the answers to. Why the hell is he still living in her house if they’re divorced? Since I don’t have Sutton’s phone number, I couldn’t continue our conversation after coming home. What I did do was tell Mom that Sutton took the bag of clothes without too much of a fuss. The look on Mom’s face was one of shock, and I get it. A ride home before last night was like pulling teeth, the reason I’m still unsure of, and aren’t those piling up like a pile of cow shit?
“Sure thing, give me a few minutes. Gonna see Maeve off, then I’ll find you.” We’re all at the main house, eating breakfast. Mom still insists on making a meal out of it. Since everyone has moved out, she no longer does family supper. Instead, breakfast is served daily, and one night a week, she’ll host. If you can make it, that’s fine. If not, there’ll be leftovers for you to take home the next day. Case and I don’t miss out. I’m no fool. A chance to not have to think about making a meal, I’m fucking in.
I take another sip of coffee. Most of us are well past full. There’re still a few stragglers coming and going. This morning, she prepared a smorgasbord of waffles, bacon, sausage, eggs, and then Maeve dropped off a boxful of pastries and sweet treats.
“What has you so deep in thought?” Dad takes Lawson’s empty seat, settling down with his own mug, one Case made for him at his new preschool. It has Paw-Paw written across in Case’s handwriting along with his handprints. Every occasion, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and even Mother’s Day, they do something for the family. Since I’m both a mother and a father, I get a double dose. Case hasn’t seemed to take notice that he’s the only one in his small class of children who has a single parent. The teacher knows all about it and helps guide him while other kids are working on things for their mom.