AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s good for my constitution, too.” Her lips twist like she’s sharing a secret.
“Same,” I deadpan.
“If you have pooping problems, they only get worse as you get older.”
I snort a laugh through my nose. Nothing is off-limits at this house.
“We can try adding magnesium to your diet.”
“Magnesium.” She exhales as she says the word. “Lord, you’d think it’s the cure for everything these days—insomnia, heart disease, constipation, anxiety…”
“It is sort of a miracle mineral. Let’s go in a circle.” I hold her wrinkly hands in the water as we slide our feet and hop. “A lot of our minerals have been stripped out of the soil by factory farming.”
“You sound like one of those health nuts.”
“Sorry, I’ll stop. But if you want to know, just ask me.”
“I want to know about this music. It’s fun.” We change directions, and she adds a twisty motion to her bounce, humming along to “Show Me Love” by Robin S.
I exhale a laugh. “My dad says it’s ridiculous, but it makes me happy.”
“It’s very empowering.” She shakes her finger along with the beat and joins in. “Say what you want…”
I laugh more. “You’re manifesting devotion.”
“With your heart in your hands.” She nods. “I like it.”
“No, kitty, don’t eat the charging cords.” Edward appears at the side of the pool, scooping up the little gray kitten chewing on my phone cord. “I think this would be a good one to take to the restaurant. He’s more of a loner than the others, and he likes people.”
My brother holds the kitten under his chin. He’s wearing his usual They Might Be Giants T-shirt and jeans, and I wonder if he ever notices I have three versions of that same shirt I switch out and wash every week.
“Dylan asked us to pick the cutest one.” I drift to the side of the pool. “I think he qualifies.”
“Dr. Moore said they’re at least six weeks old, so we can get him fixed in a few weeks.”
“Good work, Eddie!” Miss Gina smiles up in my brother’s direction. “You’re such a helpful addition to the group.”
My brother looks down at the kitten who is now swiping the lapel on his jean jacket between its paws and biting it. I don’tknow, but I think I see a hint of a smile cross his lips before he nods and walks away. It warms my eyes.
I clear the emotion from my throat as I grab a long, foam noodle, turning to her again. “Thank you for being so kind to him.”
“It’s a pleasure to be kind to kind people.” Miss Gina is still bouncing and dancing to the music. “I want you to find what you’re looking for, too.”
Wrinkling my nose, I blink away my sentimental tears. “What might that be?”
“Hm…” The old lady arches an eyebrow. “Love and devotion?”
I shake my head and hand her the noodle. “I’m fine for now, but it’s time for you to do your knee lifts.”
“Oh, no,” she fake-cries. “Not leg day!”
We both laugh, and I glance around the empty garden. Zane doesn’t work on Thursdays because he records the radio show with Logan. I have no reason to miss his surly butt lurking around, ignoring me, but the thought of him tingles in my mind.
“This looks delicious.”I lean forward on the large, stainless-steel work table beside Dylan in the kitchen at Cooters & Shooters as she blends a giant pot of roasted chile de árbol salsa in an industrial-sized blender.
The scent of onions, tomatoes, and garlic fills the air as I suck on a grape Jolly Rancher, which creates a funky flavor combination in my mouth.
We came straight here from Miss Gina’s, so I’m still in my bikini top and leggings with a long-sleeved wrap-sweater. I’ve taken out the braids, so my hair hangs in kinky waves down my back.
