Page 41 of Summer Holiday Lifeline

“Yes. Go while she’s distracted.”

Jet was already at the shop’s front door, so Myles thanked Steven and hurried after him.

On the street, Jet stuffed his hands into his pockets and kicked a stone. “We didn’t have to leave her there.”

“It will be easier to cook this way.”

“You won’t have an excuse when you fuck it up.”

“Language. Maybe I won’t fuck it up.”

“Did we bring the swear jar?” He scowled. “Never mind. Of course we didn’t.” Then he stopped, halfway across the road, and pointed to the album in Myles’s hand. “Did you pay for that?”

“Well, shit.”

“Eh.” Jet resumed walking. “He knows where we live. If we’re lucky, he might even hold Shells hostage until you do.” He grinned. “Maybe wait until tomorrow.”

“She’s not that bad.”

But Jet had stopped again on the far side of the road, near the walk up to the Oaks’ front door. “Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?”

“You and me time?”

“Sure.”

“Or was it just a ploy to get her to do what you wanted?”

“I meant it. You’ve been spending a lot of time with her. You’re obviously doing something right, because she hasn’t pulled any tantrums since we arrived, but you deserve a break, too.”

“She told me last night how mad she is at Mom for being gone so long, and then this morning she asked if you were going to marry a new mommy for her. Some days she gets it, and some, not so much.”

“She’s six. Some days I don’t get it, so I can’t blame her.”

“I miss her, Uncle Myles.”

“Me too.”

“About the new mommy thing⁠—”

“Not gonna happen.”

Jet chuckled. “I’m not, you know.”

“Not what?”

“Gay.”

Myles blinked at him. “You know, I think you’re the first person to come out as straight to me.”

Jet snorted. “Just so you know.”

“Good to know, I guess.”

“Not that it matters here.”

“You think small towns don’t have girls?”