I'm Sure Read Free

weekends, too, to see my brother and to have some semblance of family. That’s how Aunt Dee and Uncle Pete’s house became more of a home than my own.
    I gaze down at the boys. For part of every week, these two little guys have a one-parent home.
    I crouch down. “How about a piggy back, Nicky?”
    Nicky climbs on, wrapping his skinny arms around my neck and his legs around my waist.
    “You can still be in charge of the gong,” I tell him. “Tony, how about if you serve the lasagna?” I wave my hand for the older boy to proceed ahead of us. “You know what you’re doing in the kitchen a lot better than I do.”
    Tony stands taller and takes the lead.
    The tightness in my chest lessens.
    Elisa studies the back of her oldest son then offers me a grateful smile.
    ****
    Megan
    On Wednesday, I’m mucking in the water again, cleaning the pond liner, when over my splashing I hear my name called.
    “Hey, Megan.”
    It’s him. Jason. A grin, foolish, I’m sure, splits my face. “Jason. How you doin’? Back for more pond supplies?” I groan inwardly. Great opening line. I hope he can figure out I’m glad he’s here, since I can’t flirt to save my life. Today he’s dressed in jeans and a green T-shirt, and he looks, if possible, better than I remember.
    He stops a few feet away, runs his fingers through his hair, and surveys the area. “My aunt likes the plant and says she might plant a couple more. Do you have any?”
    I point at a table behind the nearest pond. “Right there. On the corner are about five of them.” Something pops out from among the plants and arcs over the table to land and disappear among the rocks around the pond.
    Jason whips toward it.
    I grin. “That was a frog.”
    He takes a breath and settles his stance again, returning his attention to the plants. “I’ll find out how many she wants.” Then his gaze shifts, straight on to me.
    Bam, I feel it again. Alive. Alluring…even in my mud-spattered shorts. Magnetized in a field where he’s the center attraction.
    “Are you, ah, at a place you can take a break? Want to get some lunch?”
    I stand, my gloved pond-smelling hands at my side, as a delicious bliss curls up through my body. For a moment, I breathe in the sensations, the shining sun, him, me…us? Three minutes ago, I thought I’d never see him again.
    “Am I being too presumptuous?” He looks at me.
    His expression is guarded, like he’s admitted to a soft spot for little hopping frogs, but wants to appear tough nonetheless.
    “Are you, ah, in a relationship?”
    “Yea.” I nod, my expression serious.
    His gaze darkens.
    “With these fish. They expect me here every morning. For breakfast.”
    He waits a beat, his lips pressed together. “But it’s lunch time.”
    “I know.” I smile, a quieter smile than the happy surprise blooming through me would suggest. After the disaster that was my last relationship, I’m taking baby steps. I’m not ready to reveal much. “Which is why”—I pull off my cumbersome gloves and drop them in the bucket on my cart—“I’m cleaning up, and we’ll go have lunch.” I push the cart to the side of the shed. “Where shall we go?”
    He lifts his muscled shoulders in a shrug. “I usually go to Peggy’s Deli. That’s the only place I know here in Riverton. Where do you like to go?”
    “The deli’s great.” I live in Riverton, and the deli is very popular, with its inviting funky interior and generous sandwiches. And close enough to walk. “I’ll meet you out front in about five minutes?”
    I race in and down the short stairs to our employee lounge and lockers. Should I take down my hair? Or would that look like I’m unleashing my inner temptress? I take off my denim work shirt and wash my hands and arms up to the elbow. From my locker, I grab a clean T-shirt and change in the bathroom. Then I go for my tube of grapefruit hand cream and slather it on my hands, my arms, my neck, and, for good measure, up my cheeks and