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“I guess it could be aard to work a birthday into conversation”

“Why? Just say, ‘So, when’s your birthday?’”

“Why didn’t you ask her? Why is it up to her to bring it up?”

“I—it’s not I didn’t think of it”

“We should have a faests “Next weekend, after she gets back”

I reach for a scone and crack it open, spread copious amounts of butter on it, and shove it into my mouth

“You’re such a gentleman,” Mom says with complete sarcasm

“I know,” I say around the food “Good”

I spread jam over the butter on the other half

“I’ll be back later to help Dad and Louie with some stuff in the barn We need to repair a couple of the stalls after that stallion kicked the hell out of theo”

“No work today?”

“Later,” I confiro up and clean so where they’re supposed to And there’s a pair of eagles that I’ve been watching They’re mated and have built a nest”

“That’s exciting,” she says “Be careful up there I hate that you don’t have cell service at work”

“I like it quiet” I shrug and take one more scone for the road “Is Cap okay with you?”

I break off a piece of s his tail with enthusiasm

“Of course Oh, and will you please give me Remi’s number? I’d like to invite her out to lunch”

“Sure” I text her the number and then kiss her on the cheek “I have to run I’e for breakfast”

“You just had breakfast”

I just smile at her and head out

I always feel better after chatting with my mom

“Jesus it’s early,” Gage ratefully accepts aof coffee from the waitress at Ed’s