Page 134 of The Way the Heart Breaks: Jade’s Story

I smile. “I had the most amazing weekend.”

There's a pause. “Yeah?”

“The most amazing.”

“I did too.”

My smile gets bigger as I turn my head toward the flowers. “I'm looking at the tulips.”

“You like them?”

“I love them.”

“Good.”

“They're beautiful.”

“So are you.”

I close my eyes. “Tommy.”

“What?”

“You can't just have things like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because.”

“That doesn't sound like a very good reason when I’m just speaking the truth”

I laugh. “You know what I mean.”

“Right, you prefer pretty girl.” He says.

I pick up one of the tulips carefully. “You didn’t have to get me flowers.”

“Should have had them ready to hand you after church.” He says softly.

“They really are beautiful.” I yawn, and he laughs. “Hey, what's your favorite song from the countdown this week?”

“The countdown?”

“Yeah.”

“I don't listen to the countdown.”

I sit up. “You don't?”

“No.”

“Tommy.”

“What?”

“You have to.”

“Why?” He laughs.