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“I like that even better”

He nods “Brothers Always there for each other”

I’ at the black screen of h the front door

She doesn’t speak, so I look up to see the little girl is fast asleep on her lass on the coffee table I’ve only gone through half a bottle tonight I’ I’ll see Melissa and Dex tomorroant my head to be clear

Star uest room, but I don’t respond I’m tired and nuo to bed

It doesn’t seeain in the living room, plate in hand

“MariskaI’ve ever eaten” She’s beside me on the couch, but ht now? Can she sleep without me? I can’t sleep without her

“Take a bite” Blinking up, I realize Star’s been talking, and she’s now holding a fork with a square of cabbage roll on it

Clearingthe fork and plate from her hands “Thanks,” I say

She relents and sits back on the couch The spicy tomato dish tastes like dishwater I’o to one The only thing stronger than that urge isto look like shit tomorrow

“I hope Ca her lip “If she asks for Nan, I don’t knohat I’ll do”

“You’re doing okay with her”

“You think so?” Worried eyes meet mine

“Yeah You’re not born knowing these things I’ve learned a lot being around Dex, watching hie, put it in my mouth

Star exhales, shaking her head “That’s the problem I’ve never even babysat I don’t knohat the hell I’”