Page 89 of Heart

“Well, it’s been perfect,” added Rachel. “And I got to see Jack and the gang, which makes it even better.”

“And how is it you know Jack?” George asked. “It appears you guys go back.”

“They do,” May answered for her. “I’ve hardly had a chance to speak with you, George. You’ve been so busy with the restaurant opening... andother things.”

She smiled at Mikey.

“I beg your pardon,” George said. “You’re the one that doesn’t come home anymore.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve been busy too. What can I say? We haven’t caught up.”

“No, we haven’t. Another reason I’m glad we’re all together tonight.”

Rachel placed her hand on George’s. “Jack was my foster son. I’m a little older than the rest of you... if you hadn’t noticed.”

“I hadn’t,” said George, slyly. “You look young and vivacious, like Helen Mirren.”

“I’ll take it.” Rachel smiled. “She is one, beautiful—”

“Dame?” George concluded.

“Ha. You’re a quick one, George. Anyway, Jack was in his late teens when I found him... on the street.”

“And now he’s F.B.I.,” said Mikey. “And one hot tamale.”

George cut Mikey some side-eye.

“Just saying.” Heshrugged. “Bet he can’t cook though.”

“So, Rachel and Jack go back,” George continued. “But what about Demarco? Did anyone know him?”

“I did... kinda,” said Mikey. “He was a hooker—an escort, I mean. We saw each other at B.J.’s from time to time at Tuesday Tunes. We didn’t really meet though until last year... after he got shot.”

“Shot?!”

“Yeah.Twice—” Mikey said, shaking his head, “—only in DC.”

“What on earth?” George said, flummoxed.

“Jack was Demarco’s bodyguard,” Mikey said, as if that explained everything.

“He’s the guy, George,” May interrupted. “Remember? I told you about this. It happened right on The Circle, within shouting distance of the store. Some kind of reality show stunt... a guy got shot.”

George nodded slowly. “Yeah. Yeah, I think I remember now. But that was shortly after David died. I was in a different place mentally.”

Mikey placed his hand on George’s leg with a reassuring squeeze.

“Rachel assisted with their adopting Wilson and Tommy,” May added.

“That makes sense,” George said. “Rainbow Harbor, homeless kids... OK, the puzzle pieces are coming together now.”

“I love those boys,” said Rachel, “andthe two that adopted them. And, now, they’re about to have a third.”

“Is that the other ‘little surprise’ Demarco was alluding to?”

She nodded. “Yeah... a little girl named Ella.”

“Oh, my God,” Mikey said. “That is so sweet. I just love kids.”