Page 207 of ClickBack

“We’ll get some other days.”

“You make it sound simple.”

“Scheduling won’t be. Wanting to see you is.”

I rest my cheek against him. We sit that way until he shifts to look at the screen.

“They scored.”

“Your team?”

“The other one.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t sound sorry.”

“I’ve had a lovely evening.”

His laughter moves beneath my hand. I lift my head and kiss him once more, then give him the remote.

“Show me what happened.”

“You sure?”

“I know which number to watch now.”

He backs up the recording. I put my glasses on and settle against him. This time, when the player starts his run, I see the space open before the pass comes.

“There,” I say, pointing.

Jarrett looks at me, grinning.

“Don’t ruin it,” I warn him.

He kisses the side of my head and lets the play run.

Chapter 36

Giselle

Before I leave for Rae’s, I move the winter coats and take the fake Fendi down from the hall closet. The handles have kept the bend they acquired on the hook. Inside, the Laurel program lies beneath folded notes, a photograph, and a drugstore envelope that has been opened and closed enough times to soften at the flap.

I take the envelope. Then I pick up the photograph, look at it, and put it inside with the ultrasound.

For years I have moved this bag whenever I needed something behind it. Today I leave it on the floor while I put on my shoes.

Rae opens her door holding a tape gun between her teeth. I take it from her before she tries to speak.

“Where’s Zion?”

“With his father. Sorting what’s going in the truck and what he needs to ride with.”

“That could take a while.”

“It will if he thinks every sneaker needs to be within reach.”

She moves a stack of towels so I can set down my bag. The living room has become narrow paths between boxes, with a roll of packing paper on the floor and one lamp still plugged in because she hasn’t found the box she wants it in.