Page 121 of The Perfect Distraction

“I know,” he said, but he didn’t look convinced.

“Your dad and I are going to work it out so we can see each other throughout the school year. I promise.”

“Okay,” he said, putting on a brave face. “Can I open the present now?”

“Yes,” she said and slid it across the table.

Joey attacked the wrapping paper like he did everything else, and then he held up his gift.

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,” he read. “I’ve heard of this, but I never read it.”

“I know. I asked your dad before I bought it from the bookstore across the street. I think you’ll really like it.” She’d chosen a special edition that was hardbound with a rich brown leather-like cover.

“Look inside the cover,” she said.

He opened it and silently read what she’d written: Joey, I hope you’ll enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you for reading with me this summer. Love always, Beth. When he glanced up at her, he looked like he was about to cry. “Thank you,” he said solemnly.

Just then, Mary walked up with their tray of food. “What’s with all the long faces?”

“Miss Beth is leaving this weekend.”

“Oh. That’s too bad. We’ll miss you around here.”

“I’ll be back,” Beth said for what felt like the umpteenth time that day.

“Of course you will. Nobody would want to stay away from this cutie for long.” She ruffled Joey’s hair and walked away.

They ate quietly, and Beth noticed that even the hot dogs and fries didn’t seem to cheer him up.

“We have about an hour before your mom comes to pick you up. While we’re waiting, I’ll read the first chapter of the book to you.” She hadn’t planned a formal lesson because her only goal for today was to spend time with him.

“Okay,” he said with a shrug.

After they’d spent the July Fourth weekend together, Colton had given her a spare key, and she used it to let them inside.

She sat down on the couch and patted the space beside her. Joey cozied up next to her and handed her the book, but she didn’t immediately open it.

“Joey?”

“Yeah?”

“I want you to know something.”

He looked up at her expectantly.

“I love you,” she said softly. “And that won’t ever change, okay?”

He nodded but looked down at his hands.

“I’ll try to see you as often as I can, and you and your dad can come visit me too.”

“Can I see your classroom?”

“Sure. And I’ll introduce you to my family and show you around the town where I grew up.”

His eyes lit up. “Is there an ice cream shop?”

She laughed. “Yes, and the bakery where Brooke works, and a huge soccer field.”