Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“No socks.” She crosses her arms over her chest, plops out the bottom lip, and prepares the waterworks.
“Shoes and socks, or we’re not going to the park.” She attempts to wobble her bottom lip. “We’ll bring snacks.” I’m bartering with the queen right now, and I know the second I bring food into the equation, she’s golden.
“Otay.” She pauses before finishing her sentence. “You win.” She stands, launching herself into my arms, her little legs wrapping around my midsection much like her arms do around my neck. “Tanks, Daddy,” she says into my shoulder, and damn, JoJo has me wrapped around her pinky finger.
“You’re welcome. Go get ready. I’m going to get the snacks together and make a few calls, then we’ll head out the door.” She pulls away from our hug, lips going to my cheek, and lays a wet one on me. I’m adding more work for myself today, calling the schools to cancel the appointments last minute, as well as my mom.
“Be back!” She wiggles her feet, signaling she’s ready to get down and tired of me holding her.
“Shoes and socks,” I remind her. Josephine nods, and then she’s darting for the hallway as fast as she can.
8
KODY
“Tell Kari everything, seriously. How are you liking small-town living? Are you happy to be back?” I’m on the phone with my best friend while I walk down the streets of Lane County for the second time in three days. There was no looking for a job when Mom started shopping. Every time I wanted to go one way, she’d pull me in another direction. She finished our day with several bags in her hand, and after we dropped the purchases off at her car, we headed to lunch. I thought the shopping would be over afterwards. Boy, was I wrong. She was hell bent on finding me an outfit, told me I wasn’t buying it, and to shut my pie hole. So, needless to say, I’m now the owner of a new vintage-style band tee, a pair of jeans that are lightly distressed, and a pair of clog-like shoes. All a perfect combo to wear together or mix and match with other stuff in my closet. Specifically the shirt with leggings, flannel, socks, and the clogs. No one likes jeans unless they have to wear them, at least not me.
“I’m really happy to be home. It’d be nice if my best friend were back from traveling, but we can’t all have the dream boat of a man and follow him on his business trips,” I tease. We met in Chicago before she was married to Johnny. I was her maid of honor, and she was my saving grace when I needed to vent about Richie. In fact, if it weren’t for Kari, I probably wouldn’t be as successful as I am. Kari and Johnny had me do their engagement shoot, she posted about my business, and I received a slew of new clients. The pisser was being pulled in two directions—wanting to do her wedding photography and be her maid of honor. Anyways, once the honeymoon was over, Kari decided she could do her job anywhere and wanted to be with Johnny. So, now they’re currently in Italy while he does his thing, and she does hers.
“I’m glad, and I’m not glad. I know you’ll never move back to Chicago, and that sucks for me. Not that we’re there all that much.” Kari pauses, probably taking a sip of wine since she’s ahead of time by hours upon hours. “And If Johnny had a brother, I’d have made him fall in love with you just so we could be sisters. Not to mention my husband is pretty spectacular. Oh, before I forget, text me your new address.”
“Yeah, but that man cannot be duplicated, Kari; we all know it. And why do you need my address?” I ask. This time, it’s me taking a sip, of my coffee instead of wine. Another expense I shouldn’t have splurged on. I’m seriously going to become addicted and will need a job just to keep up with my habit.
“I’m sending you a divorce gift, silly. I only hate that I wasn’t there the day you signed the papers. I wish you had let me come home instead of insisting I stay in Italy.” Sure, how selfish would that have been? I signed the dotted line, got in my car, and drove the fuck away. There was no use in her coming home for an hour only for Kari to fly right back.
“Oh, Kari, I don’t need anything. Honestly, remember I’m staying with my brother right now. As for you coming home, that wasn’t happening. You FaceTimed me practically the entire drive back home. You did more than enough.” As I walk and talk, I keep an eye open for help wanted signs but haven’t seen any as of yet.