Don't Ask If I'm Okay by Jessica Kara

Author:Jessica Kara [Kara, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Page Street Publishing
Published: 2023-04-10T00:00:00+00:00

THE BUSTLE OF THE HOUSE wakes me. I crashed on the couch after walking Cassidy, and she is curled up with me in the living room.

Aunt Gina and Mom are in the kitchen, laughing. Coffee scent hangs in the air, and as I’m sitting up, a cannonball in the shape of Justine lands on my stomach.

“Oof—Justine, come on—”

“Mom said you went on a date!” She laughs hysterically, overly dramatic, while Cassidy looks at us reproachfully from her corner of the couch. I loop an arm around Justine and sit up, digging around in the cushions for my phone.

“Yeah.”

She makes a face. “Did you kiss her?”

“None of your business. But yes, I did.”

“Ewwww!” She flees into the kitchen and I wonder if she’s gotten into the coffee, or if it’s just the energy of things happening. Cassidy curls herself into a tighter black ball with an irritated grunt. I tuck an afghan around her and kiss her silver nose before wandering to the kitchen, dragging a hand through my hair.

Aunt Gina is still in sweats and Mom is dressed in a skirt and jacket for a workday, but they’re both at the counter, one mixing a batter, one cutting strawberries. I step behind them to assess the piles of fruit, shredded cheeses, and ham.

“Crepes?” My inquiry turns both of their heads and Mom leans over to give me a half hug and a grin.

“You’re correct, sir. Go sit down, we’re doing the cooking this morning.”

I obey as Justine skips around and steals a strawberry. Aunt Gina shoos her away and she retreats to the living room with Cassidy. Eventually the sound of cartoons floats our way.

My throat is sore and my head aches. I wonder if there’s such a thing as an anger or sadness hangover.

Mom and Aunt Gina fall quiet, glancing at me sideways.

After a minute, Mom finally cracks. “So? How was your date?”

I rub my face, crawling out of my sleep fog. “Really good.”

They’re restraining themselves mightily, exchanging looks and managing not to giggle and be nosy. “Very good,” Mom says somberly, mirroring my expression and energy.

“Give me a break,” I mumble, but it’s nice they care. “I just woke up. Um. We went to Belle Vite and it was delicious and she’s awesome. I’m going to see her again.” I don’t mention making dinner here at the house, because one or both of them will lovingly try to micromanage the planning, and I’ve got it figured out. If Imogen can’t watch Justine for a couple hours, she can chill in the living room with a movie.

“Thank you for the report,” Mom says, teasing, but looks at me over her shoulder with a warm, genuine smile, and I duck my head. “Do you want savory or sweet?”

“Savory.” I sit up, attempting to be present before they ask if I’m okay. “What’s the plan today? Where’s Jack?”

My phone buzzes on the table. A text from Olivia. A flutter of happiness dissolves some of my morning fog.

Olivia: Walked to work today

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