Page 132 of The Troublemaker
“I already told you something good.”
“Tell me something with the bookstore good.”
I think for a second.“Felix has started doing different character voices for each book at storytime, and Monroe came in last week specifically to request he do the one fromThe Pigeon Has Feelings Too,and he performed it like he was accepting an award.One of the moms filmed it, asked me if she could post it, and our followers went up.I’m thinking about doing live tidbits on our socials to drive in more people.”
“Felix is like sitting on a pile of gold.He should be your spotlight.”
“I know, it’s slowly coming, but we have a long way to go.”
“You’ll get there.”
I wish I had her belief.I can’t help but think, if I have Easton and Tanner, can I really have the bookstore be a success too?Isn’t that asking too much for this life?
We finish our coffees, and she wraps her bagel in a napkin to take with her.Outside the window, the morning is bright, and the street is starting to fill with the lunch crowd arriving early.
We stand outside on the sidewalk, and she pulls me into a hug.Holds on a little longer than usual.When she pulls back, her hands go to my face, which feels slightly foolish on the streets of Chicago with the Colts’ foot traffic overflowing the sidewalks.
“You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be,” she whispers.
Something in her voice makes me look at her more carefully.Her eyes are bright and she’s smiling, but there’s a gravity underneath it that doesn’t quite match the warmth.I hate that things are so great for me and so difficult for her right now.
“Honor—”
“It’s all going to work out.”She hugs me one more time before pulling away.
“Call me tonight,” I say.“Even just to check in.”
“I will.”She squeezes my arm once and turns, heading toward the train.
Then I turn and pull up the Uber app.My phone shows the car three minutes away.
I step to the curb and wait, thinking about what she said.
You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
I think she might be right.
The car pulls up.I get in to go back to the people I think I might love.
ChapterForty-Nine
Easton
Tanner got through his first cold like a Bailey.He was a little whiny but pulled through by making sure Hadley and I knew how horrible it was for him.
Hadley went to coffee with her friend Honor this morning, and she’s due back anytime so that I can get to the field for the game.Tanner is busy pulling himself up on every surface, and I’ve spent the whole morning watching him and trying to install some childproofing stuff around the condo.I never thought I’d restrict my kid to a certain area, but it turns out my condo isn’t babyproofed in the least.
My phone dings.
Hadley: I’m gonna be late.I asked Penelope to watch Tanner so you can get to the game.Sorry I can’t give you a good luck kiss.(kissing emoji).
“I think she’s crazy, buddy.She thinks she can tell me she’s late and not give me a reason why.”
Tanner lets out a sound I’ll take as an agreement.
How long will you be?I can wait a bit.
I have no idea.That’s the problem.I might have to meet Penelope at the game.
