Remember Us by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Author:Kellie Coates Gilbert [Gilbert, Kellie Coates]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amnos Media Group

14

On Tuesday morning, Olivia stood at the stove, frying bacon. She’d learned over the past week or so that Ryan was a growing boy who could eat a plate piled high with crispy strips of bacon, along with a stack of pancakes. She couldn’t imagine what his mother’s grocery budget might be as he headed into his teen years.

Ben entered the kitchen, carrying his jacket. “So, today’s the day, huh?”

She nodded. “Yeah, is he up?”

Before Ben could answer, Ryan appeared. He wore pajamas emblazoned with a Seattle Seahawks emblem on the shirt. His head was matted from sleep. “Morning. Did I smell bacon?”

Olivia laughed. “Yes. We’re having a special breakfast this morning. All your favorites.”

“Cool,” he said, sliding into a chair at the table. Quasar folded onto the floor at his feet.

“You all packed up, buddy?” Ben asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“Nah, not yet. Olivia’s going to help me.”

Ben stirred some sugar into his coffee. “Well, I’ve got to head out.”

Olivia turned, holding the fork midair. “Don’t you want breakfast?”

He shook his head. “Would love some, but I have an early morning meeting. Dr. Danielle Ammon is coming in from Trinidad. She’ll be meeting with a few of us from the aquarium before she heads up to Seattle to present a symposium on the effects of hydrothermal vents on deep-sea habitats.”

Ryan bent and petted Quasar. “Wow, wish I could come!”

“Me too, kid.” Ben headed over to the table. “I’m going to miss having you around.”

Ryan stood and gave Ben a big hug, wrapping his hands around Ben’s waist. “Thanks, Ben. For the kite, the dog—for everything.” He leaned back. “Do you think you could still take me fishing sometimes? Maybe Cam could come with us.”

Ben ruffled his hair. “You bet. I’d love that.” He bent and ruffled the dog’s hair as well. “Yes, and you too.”

He flung his jacket over his shoulder, paused, then walked over to the stove and kissed her on the cheek. “See you tonight. I might be late, but I’ll text and let you know.”

She nodded, lightly touched the spot on her cheek as she watched him grab a slice of bacon and move for the door. “Yeah, okay. We’ll see you tonight.”

He headed out, and Olivia turned to Ryan. “Well, buddy. I hope you’re hungry.”

When they’d finished eating, Ryan helped her clean up the dishes, then she sent him for a shower while she headed for his bedroom and began stripping the bed.

Minutes later, Ryan appeared, his hair wet and combed into place in the way eleven-year-old boys perform the task. The front looked good, but he’d missed a big swipe in the back. “Hey,” she said. “Come here a minute.” She took her hand and smoothed the hair in place. With her hands on his shoulders, she turned him to face her. “This house is going sure going to feel empty with you gone.”

It was true, she’d miss Ryan terribly. It surprised her how fond she’d grown of him in the short time he’d stayed with them.

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