Page 76 of AJ’s Fire

AJ: Perfect. Love to the fam … and “Dev.”

My very mature brother responded with an emoji whose tongue was sticking out at me.

I called Nat later that night, knowing she would have been in the car with my dad, Josh, and Devon most of the day and hoping to catch her alone.

“Hey, Nat. I’m sorry about next week. We have to work Easter Sunday until eight a.m. and then I’m going to go with Jackson for Easter. He, um. He’s never invited me to spend time with his parents, and he finally has. I hope you understand I can't pass up the opportunity to finally spend the holiday with the Dorsos.”

“Oh, yeah, I can see how you’d want to take advantage of that.” The phrase “take advantage” rubbed me the wrong way, but I knew Nat didn't mean anything by it.

Hoping to steer the conversation away from Jackson, I continued, “Thanks for making everyone come down for Family Fun Day. I think Vera enjoyed it.”

“It looks like everyone had fun.” How did she make that sound like an accusation? “We worked with two really lovely kids who are living at the Center. They do such important work there, AJ. I just don’t understand how someone can toss kids away like that. It’s disgusting.”

“That's why we wanted to help.”

“I understand Jackson’s family gave a big donation, and the Center will be able to do some renovations.” Nat had turned the conversation back to Jackson.

“It’s not like they can’t afford it.”

“It’s really nice of them, supporting Jackson by giving to a small charity in Brooklyn. They fund whole foundations. I know he doesn’t always feel like he has their support. It’s important that they did this, for him as much as for the Center.”

“You’re worried about him?”

“I was worried about him. And you. Jamie said you two have been off. Did you have a fight?”

The phrase sounded so immature coming out of my stepmother’s mouth. I laughed as I responded, “We’re not in junior high, Nat.”

She lowered her voice. “Around the holidays you told me you might be seeing someone. Is he upset that you guys don’t … hang out like you used to?”

“It’s not exactly that either, Nat. We're not fighting.” How did she extract information out of me like that? I swear she should be recruited by the FBI. I sighed. “I shouldn’t be doing this over the phone, Nat. We’re gonna come up and talk to you, soon, so you can’t say anything before then, okay? Jackson and I are dating.”

“Oh!” Nat tried but didn’t sound all that surprised.

“He came out this year, and, I don’t know, I just realized that I like him like that too.” I laughed. “Sorry, now I do sound like I’m in junior high. Jackson and I are dating, and it’s pretty serious. I haven’t told anyone yet. Not even Jamie.”

“But you and Jamie were going through the same thing!”

“I know. But you know how he is, Nat. Always trying to help everyone else. He needed me, and I didn’t want to burden him. Jax and I have been working our shit out. And we’re ready to come out. We’re going to tell Jamie this week, and then we’ll travel up to Hampstead soon. I know you guys have met before, but I’m really excited for you to get to know him. To get to know us,” I added.

“That’s so sweet, AJ.”

Later that week Jamie met us at the Y for Vera’s dance lesson.

“Jackson, hey. Vera said you’ve been showing up occasionally.” Jax had been with me every week of the last six, but I didn’t correct my brother. “Wasn’t sure we’d see you tonight. I thought we could grab dinner after. No school tomorrow.”

Jackson nodded imperceptibly at me; a questioning look on his face. “Sounds good!” I responded.

We were in the front section of O’Doyle’s, Vera recapping her dance lesson while I ordered drinks. When the water arrived, and Jamie insisted Vera take a sip, it was the first time she’d paused in her narration of what had happened in the class that we had all been there to witness.

“You’re skipping Easter,” Jamie started.

“You talked to Nat,” I countered.

Vera had been provided with a children’s menu and crayons.

“Hey, Miss Vee.” Jackson drew her attention away from her father. “Pick a color.”

He held up the crayons, and she pulled one away. “Now let’s read this menu and decide what you’re having for dinner.”