He circled one chair, climbed onto the cushion, and stretched in the sun.
Glenn stood beside me.
“Think he forgives us?”
“He forgives nobody.”
“Healthy boundaries.”
“Think he forgives us?”
***
Days later, we hosted a family barbecue.
Someone asked who would host Tommy’s next birthday.
Every head turned toward Marie. She pointed at herself before anyone could speak.
“My house.”
The family burst out laughing.
The family burst out laughing.
Uncle Leonard grinned.
“What if Bessie gets another bounce house?”
Marie looked toward our water, where Musk slept beside a sign Glenn had installed.
PRIVATE POOL.
NO PARTIES.
NO GARBAGE.
CAT HAS FINAL AUTHORITY.
Musk slept beside a sign Glenn had installed.
She lifted her soda can.
“Absolutely not.” Then she smiled at me. “Trust me. You only make that mistake once.”
I raised my glass.
You only make that mistake once.”
