Page 12 (1/2)

My cell phone buzzed I pressed the receiver againstbetter," Thomas said on the other end of the line, uni toward Olive

I winked at hi him with my insults had become a sport

"How are Mom and baby?" I asked

"We’re headed ho to head that way earlier than expected"

"Everything okay?" I asked, noting that Dad’s interest was piqued I waved hi

"Yeah … yeah Have you heard froma since I could remember, and the questions onlyatfor an explanation I held upto put a newborn on a plane? I knew you were brave, big brother, but hell"

"We thought Dad ht like to meet her"

"He would Dad would love to meet …" My mind drew a blank

"Stella," Olive whispered

"Stella!" I repeated "Dad would love to meet Stella" Dad popped me on the back of my head "Ow! What’d I say?"

"So we’ll be in to the circus on the other end of the line

"To at Dad "That quick, huh?"

"Yeah Tell Dad not to worry We’ll get the roouest room ready She knew you’d be over soot a pack ‘n whatever"

"She purchased a Pack ‘n Play for Stella? Really?" Thomas asked "That was nice of her How is sh … that was nice of her"

"Yeah," I said, suddenly feeling aard "We’ll see you touess"

"Tell Dad I love hi up, and I shot Dad a wide grin The two lines between his eyes deepened

"I should have spanked you more," Dad said

"Yes, you should have" I looked down at the do to shuffle theolden brown leather h I’d moved out, Camille and I visited Dad at least once a day, usually lanced up at the shelf that ran just below the ceiling, filled with dusty poker ned pictures of our favorite players A feebs had foret up there and dust Don’t want the oldabout the test today," Dad said,the dominoes around in a circle on the table

"Yeah," I said, staring at the white rectangular tiles as they slowly circulated around, under Dad’s hands,now I think she’s tired of talking about it"

"Understandable," Dad said He gave a side-glance to Olive, and I kneas choosing his next words carefully "Have you been to the doc?"

"Gross," Olive said, disgusted despite his efforts She wasn’t a little girl any permanent Honestly, so am I At least noe have hope"