Page 17 of The Logic of Loyalty

Paige

please tell me you’re free for coffee today.

Becky

I’m a teacher. It’s summer. I LIVE for random unplanned shenanigans and caffeine.

you’re combining the two. I don’t want to go to coffee with you, I Need to.

“Jacob, do you want to have breakfast with Aunt Becky, Abigail, and your momma?”

He side-eyes Abigail, then asks, “What is my other option?”

“Hmm …” I consider the options for only a moment before the perfect solution arises. I lift my phone and send another message.

Paige

wanna FINALLY go with me to get coffee with Becky, Abigail, Jacob, and I?

Jacob will want to eat with us if his favorite aunt is there too. I see the three dots appear and disappear a few times before she answers.

Beth

I’d love some time with the kiddo. Momma is out, doing something, and Dad is at work

Paige

And the coffee?

Beth

I don’t want to ruin the vibe

Paige

Jesus, Beth, No! I’m telling you, she’s a marshmallow, you’ve only ever seen the sassy side of her.

Beth

I’ll hang with my beautiful nephew, if that’s an option?

Damn damn triple damn. “Jacob, what about going to hang out with Aunt Bethany at her place?”

“Yeah! That’s a great idea!”

Paige

ok ok. I can drop him off soon. See you in ten?

Beth

perfect.

I pushed too hard. Dammit.

Paige

Bethany is watching the boy, but I do have a toddler with me today.