Page 11

Bradley

R onnie’s horrible retching sound tickles at my gag reflex. Poor baby had already vomited when we got off of the boat.

“Don’t be a baby,” Amber smacks my ass. “Grab him a water bottle from the bag.”

I unzip the bag, sift through it, and then he pukes again on the side of the curb where I parked the car in a hurry.

“It’s okay, let it all out.”

I have no idea if she’s referring to him or me because I’m about to let it all out myself.

I hand her the bottle and gulp the thickness in my throat.

“This is the last time, I think, I’ll be fine in a few minutes,” Ronnie says in a groggy voice, splashing some water on his face.

“We’re two minutes away,” Amber encourages and I nod in agreement, “Want to walk the rest on foot? Bradley can drive there.”

“Yeah, sounds like a great idea.”

Shutting their doors, I hop into the driver’s seat and cruise into our neighborhood. Trees line the street of this beautifully manicured block. Two-level colonial-style houses with green lawns and cozy porches roll one after the other until I pull into the open driveway of the creamy house at the end of the street as Amber instructed me earlier.

My family lives a couple of blocks away from here and I can already imagine what this week will look like. Lots of sneaking around, fun times with family, the best barbeques, and these two by my side.

I missed the smell of the ocean in the air and the false sense of quiet because inside these houses are probably the bubbliest people we’ll ever meet. No one can duplicate it it’s a feeling I only get when I’m around here.

Shutting down the engine, I push the door open and pull Teddy with me as I exit the car. I leave our bags inside the trunk for now. “Are you ready to meet her family?” He had a good nap while Ronnie painted Staten Island sidewalks with his puke.

Now it makes me laugh a little.

“We’re here!”

Ronnie and Amber stride behind me, looking much better than a few minutes ago.

With Teddy in my hands, I turn to meet them. “You okay?” I kiss his cheek when he inches closer and pets Teddy’s head.

“I’m good.” He grins softly, staring directly into my eyes. The light returned to his face.

I plant another kiss on his cheek. “Sorry, I got confused between you and Teddy.” I do it again. “I’m so confused.”

He shakes his head but can’t hold his smile any longer.

“Let’s go you two.” Amber smiles widely at us but my eyes trail down to where her leg is fidgeting nonstop—a war is waging within her, it was more evident the moment we left our apartment when she tried to calm herself down the entire ride over.

“Let’s go,” I repeat, striding forward and interlacing our hands. “Who’s making you nervous?” I whisper.

Looking down, she draws out a sigh. “My mom.”