Outside the house, I stand by the driver’s side of my Mustang and hug my mom goodbye. “Take care of yourself,” I admonish. “And take care of Dad. You hear?”
She brushes that off and tugs on the collar of Joey’s jacket that I’m wearing home. “You talk to Timothy,” she says, still harping about a visit. “Call me when you get in, all right? And let me know what he says about Christmas. I’m expecting to see you again before too long.”
When she lets me go, I start to turn towards my dad but find myself caught in a huge bear hug as Joey grabs me. “Call me,” he whispers, his breath hot in my ear. I give him a quick nod and earn a pat on the back that sends me staggering. “Drive safe,” he says, stepping away from the car. “I’m leaving for Philly tomorrow but you’ve got my cell number.”
Reaching
