Page 84 of Sleeper: The Palisades Edition

Lucky looks up at me apologetically, taking my hand.

“Let’s go see the rose garden. Does that sound good?”

“Okay. Is it far away?”

“I don’t think so. We’ll just cross back over the bridge and then follow the main path to the right.”

“Okay.”

Summer continues her silent rage, staring at the ground while walking hand-in-hand with Lucky. She doesn’t even look at the koi when we cross the bridge.

“Hey. Where do fish keep their money?”

Lucky wrinkles his brow. “Their pockets?”

“A river bank!”

No reaction from the twins. I don’t blame them. That one’s a thinker.

“Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“Honeydew.”

“Honeydew who?”

“Honeydew you want to hear some more jokes?”

Lucky laughs. He may or may not actually get the joke, but he definitely wants to lighten the mood. Summer is still sulking. I glance over at the snack bar as we pass by and briefly consider buying her a hot dog just to cheer her up so she’ll like me again. But no. Nope. I’m in charge. Not her.

The rose gardenis in full bloom, and I get dozens of gorgeous close-up shots. I take a picture of Summer and Lucky dancing around on the lawn like RussianJewish villagers and immediately e-mail it to Margo and text it to Shane because it looks like they’re having fun. Maybe Lucky managed to cheer his sister up, bless his heart.

My phone immediately vibrates with a text notification from Shane.

SHANE: Mazel tov!

I laughand look up at the kids before replying. “Hey guys, I’m going to sit here on this bench, okay? Your dad sent a text.” They completely ignore me, but the bench isn’t far away, so I guess they’ll figure it out.

ME: Diddle daidle biddy bum.

SHANE: Fuck, I love it when you text dirty to me. You having a good day?

ME: Yes.

SHANE: So that’s a no, then? Wish I could be there. I’m so sick of answering the same questions over and over again, and there’s still a couple of weeks of this dog and pony show to go.

ME: I think I speak for everyone when I say we really fucking miss you.

SHANE: I really miss you guys too.

SHANE: If it wasn’t clear…by ‘you guys,’ I meant your tits.

ME: If it wasn’t clear…by ‘everyone,’ I meant all of my lady parts.

SHANE: Tell your lady parts they have a standing invitation to join me in my bed every night. And by ‘standing invitation’ I mean…

ME: Pretty sure I know what you mean, Papa.