Page 16 of Ravage
Reese and Sam both smiled back at her and said, “Good.”
“We’re making it,” I added. “Just ordered enough food for an army, and no idea where we’re gonna put it all.”
“I’m sure you will manage.”
Reese motioned to her pile of salt and said, “Look what I made.”
“Is that a snowman?”
“Um-hmm,” she nodded proudly. “And he’s wearing a hat.”
“I see that. Very impressive.”
“He’s got a big belly.”
Emery nodded. “He certainly does.”
“He eats lots of ice cream.”
“That’ll do it every time.”
“Don’t it, though,” I chuckled.
Reese looked at her for a second, then scooted toward the wall, making just enough room for Emery to sit down beside her. “You make one.”
“Oh, um… I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
“No intrusion,” I assured her. “Maybe you can keep us from getting kicked out of here.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
She slid into the booth and got to work on her snowman. She used the tip of her finger to twirl the salt into three perfect circles, and the second Reese saw what she was doing, she moved to her knees and gasped, “Whoa. How’d you do that?”
“It’s just three circles.” Emery scooted the salt back into a pile. “Watch.”
Reese watched as Emery made another snowman, this time with a round middle like hers. Reese pointed to it and giggled, “He’s fat.”
“He certainly is.”
“I want to try.”
“Sure.”
Emery made a fresh pile, and Reese started twirling it all over the table. Emery reached over, carefully guiding her finger as she whispered, “Slow and easy.”
I’d always known Emery was good with kids, but watching her with one of mine hit me in a way I wasn’t expecting. She was soft and gentle, and it was just what Reese needed. It was what I needed, too.
Before I had the sense to stop myself, I asked, “You eaten?”
“Not yet,” she answered, still guiding Reese’s hand. “I was supposed to meet up with Chrissy, but she backed out at the last minute.”
“Something happen?”
“No, she’s just been a little preoccupied lately.” She rolled her eyes as she added, “I think it has something to do with her new boyfriend.”
“They tend to do that.”
“I know, and I’m happy for her. Just bummed we had to miss dinner. I was looking forward to a night out.” She shrugged. “But I’ll make the best of it. I’ll probably grab a pizza, head home, and watch a movie or something.”
