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.Pride swallowed, my shaky plea revealed a crushing disappointment.“Mr.Miller…Stan, I love your kids.Please, I’d hate for last n—”“Get-out!” Barreling down the stairs, he came nose to nose, even though I scrambled backward, his harsh warning stalked me.“Don’t open your mouth.” The impending death threat clear.I turned tail and sprinted the hell away.Chains twisted from bottom to top, the swing sprung me in a twirl, compounding the dizziness already unsteadying me.Adult mallards guided ducklings in an effortless, casual glide across the pond.Robins and starlings hopped and flitted about, portraying a picture-perfect, carefree existence.If only my journey through life could be that simple.Croton Point Park, a home away from home, had become a mandatory route and preferred place to exercise.Images of Gram’s power-walking and rapid, pumping arms brought a brief smile to my not-so-happy face.The warm and sunny day should have been enjoyable, but my depressed, beat-up condition made it hard to delight in the serene setting.Tainted thoughts battered me into a slouchy pulp.Mr.Miller’s high moral ground and irrefutable stance, insinuating my influence could somehow corrupt his kids, made him a hypocrite.Either he thought I would tell his wife, or he thought my job involved—yeah, not going there.I kicked my feet on the ground, shoving the swing back and forth.The motion didn’t bring the soothing effect it used to.Instead, my insides twisted more and the gurgle in my stomach said it was time to go.I bent over, stretching my palms flat on the grass and bouncing on the balls of my feet a few times.Arms stretched above my head, I reached toward the sky, wiggling my fingers and rolling my shoulders, relieving a tiny bit of tension.Setting a pace that mimicked Gram’s when she came along during my jogs, I took a detour onto Willow Street.Weeds and grass higher than my last visit, my longing gaze examined every square inch of my childhood home.Gram’s spirit occupying my mind and heart.Japanese maples surrounded the lot.Each included wooden bird feeders and houses I’d painted myself.Twenty-one for every birthday and as many as she could buy before her death.I should’ve wrapped them and taken them with me, but I couldn’t.I didn’t have the heart to remove them from their special resting place.Two fingers sealed to my lips for a kiss, I extended it toward heaven in a wave.I remember.Always.Forever.Memories of her gentle smile, wheezy-whistling laugh, and sea-green eyes brought happiness to me and everyone she came in contact with.Her selfless acts were treasures she shared with each individual, offering affection and encouragement no matter the situation.In a blur, my position changed from a Cape Cod house to a brick apartment building.Home, for now.Linc jumped up from the sofa, frowning as soon as I entered.“What’s the matter?”I shuffled over to him and dropped my head on his broad, supportive shoulder.“The Millers fired me.” Disappointment evident in my mumble against his neck, my arms wound around his ribs for added consolation.“Dammit, I’m so sorry,” he murmured against my cheek, scooting me onto his lap and shielding me in a protective embrace.His awesome bear hug soothed the direct hit and gouging remarks remaining from the earlier altercation.“Want me to call Stan?”“No.” My quick reply and stiff body must have clued him in to my discomfort.An instant image of Mr.Miller storming after me produced the knee-jerk reaction.He shifted me back and examined my face.His narrowed eyes attempted to mind meld the truth out of me.“Did something else happen?” Although a question, his gruff tone and flexing muscles promised retribution.Ha! Second time today.The ominous technique must be taught in boy’s-only classes.Reluctant to cause more problems and ready to put it behind me, I told him a little white lie.“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” I glanced at a photo of Gram and back at him, willing an extreme calm into my voice.“I’m disappointed, that’s all.” Instead of indifferent, my lips trembled, and my overwrought body slumped against him, sure he’d support me and not let me fall [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]