Life in the District by Lucy di Legge

Author:Lucy di Legge [di Legge, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Supposed Crimes LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

"Two. We'll set another place if Carol turns up."

#

Jack stacked our dirty dinner plates in the sink and ran hot water over them to soak, using more dish soap than necessary.

"Good stir fry, kiddo. Thanks for helping out."

"Sure."

"How about some dessert? Do you like ice cream and brownies?"

His eyes lit up. "Who doesn't?"

"Get us a couple of bowls and I'll make us something."

I shooed him out of the kitchen to the couch to watch TV as I prepared dessert. I heated up two chocolate brownies in the microwave, and then put one in each of the bowls. On top of the brownie, I put two heaping scoops of vanilla ice cream, then topped it all with chocolate fudge and a cherry. I didn't know if Jack liked cherries, or fudge, but I liked being able to spoil him.

"Oh wow, that looks so good," he said as I handed him his bowl.

"Good. Eat it before the brownie melts all the ice cream."

"Is it okay to eat on the couch?"

"Sure, it doesn't matter." I sat next to him, my legs tucked under me. Halfway through our dessert, Carol walked in. I could hear her footsteps on the stairs and anticipated her arrival, but I didn't want to interrupt the story Jack was telling me — gossip about kids in his high school. It wasn't that the story was particularly interesting, but that I wondered if anyone ever gave him a chance to talk, if anyone actually listened to him.

"Hello," Carol said, closing the door behind her and turning both sets of locks.

"Hi," I replied.

"You missed dinner," Jack said bluntly.

Carol gave him a withering look. "I had a busy night of work. It's not as though I like having to stay late, you know."

Jack didn't say anything, so I tried to save him by inserting, "Jack helped me make stir fry. There's more on the stove, and there's plenty of rice."

"Thanks. I'll get some in a minute." She sat down in the rocking chair near us. The chair enveloped her, making her look frail and smaller than she was.

"How was work?" I asked, setting my spoon in my bowl.

"Fine." She kept her eyes on Jack. "So, how are you liking your trip to DC, Jack?"

"It's cool. We went to the gym today." He seemed embarrassed, unsure of what to say, and I felt bad for him.

"Ah, yes. Adrienne's been working out a lot lately."

Jack busied himself with his dessert and I watched Carol, trying to figure out what she was doing — whether she was just awkwardly making conversation, or trolling.

"So, how long are you staying?" she asked him.

"Um, I'm not sure. A couple more days, I guess?" He looked at me for help or reassurance.

"Your grandma left a message on our voicemail. She says you were expelled from school." Jack flushed crimson and didn't say anything. "Did you steal something again or—"

"Carol, that's enough," I cut in sharply.

"I think it's a legitimate question. Don't you think so, Jack? I mean, you've stolen before.

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