Page 26 of Watch Me

We both stood. Jessica had appeared in the doorway. “Jess.” Inodded.

“Hi, I’m Reagan.” Reagan stuck out her hand, a huge smile across her face. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Right,” Jess clipped but stuck out her hand. Theyshook.

“All right. Time to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s,” I stated and grabbed Tyson’shand.

“Bye, Mom,” they both called over theirshoulders.

After I got them buckled in, I slid into the driver’s seat and cranked the engine. “That went well.”

Reagan chuckled sarcastically. “If looks could kill.”

“Right.” Women were weird. I still didn’t understand them, and I was forty-two. Jessica leftme. She didn’t want me, but I suppose she didn’t want me with anyone else either. Women and theirgames.

The boys were on their iPads the entire time I drove to my parents’ house. I was certain Regan’s reunion with my folks would go the same way.Easy.

“Who wants hot dogs?” I sang, looking in the rearview mirror at mysons.

“I do!” they both calledback.

“We’re having hot dogs?” Reaganasked.

“What? You don’t like mystery meat?” Ichuckled.

“I do. Chili dogs are a favorite.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“No problem. I was just wondering.”

“Hot dogs are for the boys. Dad’s grilling tri-tip, and Mom’s probably making enough sides to feed an army.” Dad’s butcher always gave him the California cut of beef known as tri-tip. My dad had it once on a trip to California and introduced us to it. It was fucking delicious and juicy, and I loved when he grilled it forus.

“They still live here?” Reagan asked as I pulled up to the house I grew upin.

“Yep.” I cut the engine.

We all got out, Cohen running ahead since he didn’t use a car seat he needed help getting out of. Tyson ran past us, and both of my boys entered the house without knocking. I was sure they were making a beeline to Rhys like they always did, wondering if he brought them something with the Blackhawks logo onit.

“Last chance to back out,” Iteased.

Reagan snorted. “Seriously, what could go wrong?”

Famous last words, right?

We walked hand in hand up the walkway to the house I’d lost my virginity in.

The night it had happened, Carter was at a friend’s house, and Ethan’s parents were at a school play Ashtyn was performing in. It was dark out, and the only light source inside was the TV. Ethan and I had been making out on the couch. We went from kissing in the living room to going up to hisroom.

He flicked the light on as we’d walked in.“Are you sure about this?”he’dasked.

I’d nodded.“Yes. I want to share all my firsts with you.”

“But we can wait until you’re ready.”

“I am ready. I promise.”

We’d started kissing again. Ethan laid me down on the bed and turned off his light. When I’d opened my eyes, I saw the glow of plastic stars illuminating theceiling.