with him. He always improves my day too.” I’ve been volunteering at this group home for three years, and it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.
“I can tell.”
“One thing you should be aware of is that Randy has a crush on Ms. Tracey.” I recap the conversation Randy and I shared.
“Thank you for letting me know.”
“I’m not really equipped to be giving advice in a situation like this. I figured a letter wouldn’t hurt, though.”
“That was a great idea. I’ve said it to you before, but I’m going to mention it again, you’ll make a hell of a father someday.”
A laugh slips free. “I still don’t know about being a dad. Being responsible for someone’s life… I’m more of the crazy uncle type. At least that’s what my niece, Ruby, calls me.”
“I can see why she’d think that. You are a lot of fun. But you’ve got a lot of qualities that would make any child lucky to have you in their life.”
“Stop. You’ll make me blush,” I joke.
“I bet you haven’t blushed a day in your life.”
“I haven’t, and you know me too well to not call me on that. Though, there are plenty of things I’ve done that have made others blush, and if I had any shame, I probably should’ve too.”
She sniggers. “I’ve been present for some of them.”
“I know you have. But you never hold it against me.”
“Please. We all did dumb shit when we were young.”
“Well, I still do dumb shit.”
“At least you own it and don’t make excuses. I envy your take-life-by-the-balls approach. I wish I had more of that in me.”
“I didn’t realize you liked balls so much. Does Barb know about this?”
She laughs. “Only you would say something so inappropriate.”
“Did you ever notice all the things I’m good at aren’t positive things at all? I say inappropriate things. I don’t blush. I’m the crazy uncle. Are you seeing a pattern?”
“All of the things you mentioned, I adore about you. And don’t you forget it.”
“I love you, but you’re way too kind. I’m gonna take off, and you should think about doing the same. You work too hard.”
She nods. “I’ll head home soon. I want to finish up a few more things first.” She says this every week. Her dedication to the residents of this home is admirable.
“I’ll see you next week.” I blow her a kiss.
“Have a good night.”
17
Adam
“Good morning,” Roxanne trills, entering the bathroom.
“Morning.” Focusing on what I’m doing, I barely glance up.
“I can see you’re busy, so I won’t take up much of your time. I bought you a breakfast sandwich and a coffee at the bagel shop down the street. I thought you might be hungry.”
I look over and see a coffee tray and paper bag in her hand. “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”
She presses her teeth into her bottom lip before releasing the fullness. “I know, but I really appreciate how much you helped me out yesterday, and I wanted to do something for you.” She smiles.
“You don’t owe me anything, Rocky. I was happy to be of assistance.”
“I know you were, and I’m grateful. Getting me lunch and buying the umbrella were some of the nicest gestures anyone’s ever made toward me.”
“That’s kind of pathetic, Rocky. Are you trying to make me feel sorry for you?”
She rolls her eyes. “Shut up, or I’ll give your sandwich away.”
“I’m sure Jerkoff will eat it.”
“Who?”
“The guy you introduced me to the other day.”
She aims a pointed look at me. “Jerry.”
“Jerkoff? Jerry? Same difference.”
“Where should I put this stuff?” She changes the subject.
“The countertop, thanks.”
She tugs one coffee cup from the tray and sets it on the counter next to the paper bag. There are still two coffees in the tray. Is one of those for Jerry?
Jealousy isn’t an emotion I’m familiar with. Even when my college girlfriend cheated on me and left me for the same guy, I was angry, not jealous. And right now that emotion is an annoying burn in my stomach. “I hope you got yourself a coffee.” I nod toward the tray.
“Oh, I did. I bring one for myself and one for Lisa every morning.”
“That's an unusual thing for a boss to do for their employee every day.”
“I appreciate her. She’s a great employee.”
“You sound like a pretty great boss and a generous one.”
“Is Rex your boss or are you his?”
“That’s not how we work. We’re even partners. Neither of us is in charge of the other. We do head up