Chapter 21
After lunch, I help my mother and Barbara clear the table and load the dishwasher as my father and Jim settle in the Lazy-Boy recliners in the living room for a football game.
Except for my sister, who tells me she is going for a long walk around the neighborhood.
Our two mothers set up a table in the dining room for a game of Pinochle.
I pull Philip aside in the hall and let him know that I am heading over to Bret Hick’s place. “I’ll make it quick,” I say, handing him the gift box Bret gave me.
“All right,” Philip says hesitantly, staring down at the writing pen inside.
“He’s a different boy,” I tell him. “He’s coming around.”
Philip squeezes me tight enough to let me know he is here for me. “I’ll keep an eye out for your father,” he says.
“Thanks. I’ll be back shortly.
