“Are you complaining?”
“Just the opposite. I miss taking road trips.”
Keegan winks. “Stick with me and we’ll take all the adventures.”
“Maybe I could take a turn driving.” As if proving a point, I accidentally slam my knee into the dashboard. A string of expletives bursts out of me.
“Does it bother you to sit bitch?”
A silent grumble escapes me. “I’m man enough to handle it.”
She gives me a lazy once-over. “You certainly are.”
“Better watch yourself when the possibility of execution is zippo.”
“Pretty sure that’s in my benefit.”
“For now. You’ll pay extra later.”
“Promises, promises.”
Before I get myself into real trouble, I wrench my eyes off her. I catch sight of a billboard and whip my head back toward Keegan. “No way. You’re taking me to Holiday Twin?”
She grins. “Maybe.”
I might’ve noticed we were entering Fort Collins if I’d been paying closer attention. “Shit, I haven’t been to a drive-in movie since…well, I can’t even remember.”
“They’re pretty rare nowadays. Wyoming only has one left standing, but it’s over six hours away. This drive isn’t nearly as bad.”
“Damn, Kee. This is a kickass choice.”
“Well, thank you. I was inspired by National Drive-In Movie Day. We’re just a month late.”
“Eh, I’ve always preferred belated celebrations. Drags the festivities out longer.”
“We should definitely be honoring these traditions more often.”
We’re interrupted by a drawn-out yawn coming from the backseat. When I turn, Millie is stretching as the dogs rouse from their slumbers.
“Hey, sleepyhead.” Keegan smiles at her daughter in the rearview mirror.
“Did I miss the movies?” The pout in her drowsy voice is covered by another yawn.
Keegan turns into the gravel lot. Only a few other vehicles dot the open space. “Nope, you’re awake just in time. We’re here.”
Millie flings upright, suddenly more alert than a caffeine junkie. “Yes! I can’t wait to sit on the hood. Can I be pickle in the middle again?”
Keegan quirks a brow at me. “Do you mind?”
New traditions are forming, patterns and habits I didn’t expect to be part of again. A reflexive grin tips my lips at the possibilities. I feel the hint of a dimple pop in my cheek. “I couldn’t think of a better spot for you to be, Peep.”
The little girl squeaks. “This is going to be awesome. Elsa and Patch can watch from the front seats.”
“You’ve got it all planned out, baby girl.” Keegan parks in the front row, dead center, with the best view of the enormous screen.
“Uh-huh, yep. I’ve been picturing this since we watched the fireworks on the Fourth of July.”
I give Keegan a soft nudge. “I’m thinking we can have a repeat of the grand finale.”
She scoffs, peering behind us to find Millie distracted with Elsa and Patch. “You better try harder than that to get a sleepover invite.”
“Remember what happened last time you wanted me to—”
She claps a hand over my mouth. “A reminder isn’t appropriate, or necessary.”
I chuckle against her palm, adding a little tongue for fun.
“Are you two done flirting yet?”
We simultaneously turn toward Millie. Keegan is the one to speak. “Uh, we’re just talking.”
The little girl huffs, looking so much like her mother. “I’m seven, not blind.”
Keegan blinks at her. A few beats pass before she busts into giggles. Millie follows close behind. “All right, diva princess. Cut the sass.”
“I just want to watch the movies.”
“And we will. Let’s go.” Keegan makes a shooing motion.
We pile out in a rush, getting the pups situated on the way. With our stacks of blankets and pillows, we get settled on the car. The metal creaks under our weight and I cringe, ready to volunteer to sit on the ground. Keegan laughs as I attempt to prop myself up without causing any permanent damage.
“I’m getting this dinosaur replaced soon. Don’t worry about a few dents.”
And that’s what I do, reclining until my back rests against the windshield. Millie snuggles between us with a noise that can only be described as content.
Keegan smiles at me over her daughter’s head. “You all good over there?”
I manage to sink a little further for this woman. How screwed that makes me is still up for debate. “Never better.”
Healing Hug #23: When good intentions go sour.
The afternoon sun glints off my aviators as I pull into Keegan’s driveway. Summer is in full swing, testing records in rare bouts of humidity and temperature on a daily basis. With the creek to cool off in, the heat doesn’t bother me. Especially when I have the company of two blondes to lift my spirits in moments of need. Two months ago, I never would’ve thought this could be my normal. Now, I can’t imagine ever returning to my self-imposed isolation.
I hop up Keegan’s front stairs with a bounce in my gait. Millie’s wrapped gift is clutched under my arm. The thrum of good fortune pings off my sternum with every breath. There’s a zest floating on the breeze that reminds me of coming home after a weekend away. But that’s way off base. All of the fresh air is going to my head.
I raise my fist to knock, adding a peppy beat that mixes with the jovial rhythm inside of me. Millie’s face appears in the thin crack she creates. When she sees who’s waiting on the other side, the door flings open wide.
“Hi, Ford!”
“Hey, Peep.” I hold out my free palm and she gives me a high-five, followed by a pattern of slapping and twisting motions that form our exclusive code. Maybe it’s odd to create a special handshake with a child, but Millie’s giggle is worth any gawking sneers from onlookers.
“I love doing that so much. We’re so cool.”
“The coolest.” I nod along with her.
“Are you here to see my mama?”
Keegan appears behind her daughter. Skepticism strains her expression. “Well, hello. Should we have been expecting you?”
“Can’t a guy randomly drop by to visit his…friend?” The labels between us are still a bit fuzzy. Better to be
