“Is Jimmy coming with her?”
“I’m sure he is.” He ruffled my hair and smiled down at me. I didn’t know that in a couple of years he wouldn’t be able to do that, as much as he might want to. “Now, I know I don’t have to tell you to behave.”
“No, Dad.”
“Good boy. Put the dishes in the sink when you’re done, and make sure you finish all your homework. And you can stay up half an hour later than usual.”
“Thanks, Dad!”
There was a tap on the backdoor, and Dad went to answer it.
“Hi, Mr. Small.”
“Hello, Mary Jo. Hi, Jimmy. There’s ice cream in the freezer—”
“Chocolate?”
I ducked my head so my friend wouldn’t see me grinning. That was Jimmy’s favorite flavor, too.
“Yes, and there’s chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and cherries.”
“Thanks, Mr. Small.” Mary Jo put her books down—she’d do he
