Page 122 of The Perfect Distraction

“Really?”

“Um-hmm.”

He smiled big, and her heart sighed.

“Are you ready for me to read now?”

“Sure.”

She cracked open the book and began to read. And as they immersed themselves in the imaginary world of Tom Sawyer, everything else melted away. It was how she felt every time she read—that temporary escape from reality that was as necessary as breathing.

“That’s a really good story,” Joey said after she’d finished.

“I thought you’d like it.”

“Tom gets in a lot of trouble, kind of like me.”

She giggled.

Just then, they heard a car horn, and their time was brought to an abrupt end. Beth went to the front door and waved at Gretchen, and then she turned back to Joey, who was slipping the book into his duffel bag.

“You’re taking it with you?” she said, somewhat surprised.

“Yeah. Maybe I’ll read a chapter to my mom.”

“Good idea,” Beth said, although she felt a twinge of jealousy. “Do you want me to walk out with you?”

“No. That’s okay.” Joey slung the strap of his duffel bag over his shoulder and reached for the door handle.

Beth’s heart was in her throat, knowing this was the last time she’d see him for a while, but she didn’t want to make it harder on him. “Bye, sweetie. See you soon, okay?”

And then in true Joey style, he turned around and flung his arms around her waist, crushing her with his surprising strength. “I love you too,” he said, and just as quickly, he pulled away and sailed out the door.

Beth stood in the doorway and waved, willing herself not to cry while Gretchen and Joey were looking. But the second Gretchen’s car disappeared, she slumped down and dissolved into tears.