Page 70 of I Dare You
“Just the memory of a ten-year-old dunking you,” I say in a staged, faraway voice.
“Keep it quiet.I have a reputation,” he jokes.
“I think that reputation is ruined,” I counter, hiding my smirk behind the mug of hot cocoa.
Kit kept his end of the bargain and bought the kids more pancakes than they could eat in a week.I realized he did this because he wanted the sisters to eat with us, too.Sister Elena oversaw making the cocoa.
So here we sit at the table with the kids and the sisters, and a now dry Father Justin.The atmosphere is relaxed.The sisters talk among themselves about tonight’s success.They’ve raised more than expected.
Ronnie sits in my lap as always, picking at my pancakes instead of his.But I don’t mind.
It’s the simplicity, such as this, that brings me the most peace.I don’t know how to explain it, but it makes me think that maybe a part of me isn’t tainted.
Maybe a part of me is still good.
My thoughts drift to Jupiter.
Being with Kit feels like the outside has been placed on pause, and it’s just us.He reminds me of happier times, times when I was happy even though I didn’t feel it.Experiencing everything that I have after that night has me appreciating the good times all the more.
“Okay, children, it’s time for bed.Thank Kit for his generosity,” Father Justin says.
“Thank you, Kit,” they singsong.
Kit smiles, and it’s apparent he’s touched.It’s hard not to be.These kids may not have had the best start in life, but you wouldn’t know it just by looking at them.This is why I feel at home here.Everyone is entitled to a fresh start, no matter their past.
Ronnie turns and sleepily wraps his arms around my neck.“Good night, Olivia.”
“Good night, my little monkey.”I place a kiss on his forehead.“Say good night to Kit?”
Ronnie pretends he doesn’t hear me.
“Ronnie—”
“It’s fine.Good night, Ronnie.Sleep well,” Kit says warmly.
In response, Ronnie pokes his tongue out at Kit.
“Ronnie!”I playfully scold.“That’s not nice.”
Ronnie doesn’t take it back.He’s going to be a stubborn teenager.
A sister takes Ronnie from me.As she leaves, he blows a kiss, which I pretend to catch and tuck away in my pocket.Kit gets a dirty look.
“I don’t think he likes me,” Kit teases.
“Don’t take it personally.He’s just protective.”
“I like the kid,” Kit replies, coming to a stand.“He stands his ground and won’t be pushed around when he grows up.”
He’s right.
Ronnie is headstrong.I know a great future awaits him.I hope I’m around to see it.
We throw away the plastic plates and utensils in the trash bag.Sister Francine collects all the mugs and brings them to the kitchen to wash.
Suddenly, there’s an awkward silence between Kit and me.
“So—” he says with a smirk.
