“Me too.”
“Call me after lights out?”
“If you’re lucky.”
I kick back on my couch. “I’m feeling pretty damned lucky.”
“That’s two dollars you owe me, Troy!”
Joanne’s Mud Pie
Transportation Manager, Canada
Makes 6–8 servings
20 minutes
1 Package Oreos – Crushed
2 Large Packages Instant Chocolate Pudding
6 Cups Milk
1 Large Container Cool Whip
Gummy Worms
Make pudding as directed on package. Stir half of Cool Whip into pudding. Set aside enough Oreos to use for a topping. Stir the rest of the Oreos into the pudding mixture. Pour pudding mixture into bowl or individual serving dishes. Sprinkle remaining Oreos on top of pudding. Place gummy worms on top. Chill for at least 1 hour. Top with remaining Cool Whip when serving.
Clarissa
“Hey, you two,” I walk in exhausted, aching for a hot bath. Pamela looks up from where she cradles a sleeping Dante on our couch. “Shoot, I was hoping to be home in time to tuck him in.”
She reads my posture. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Long day. Thanks so much for watching him.”
“No problem, anytime.”
I lift Dante from her arms. “I’m just going to put him down. Do you mind staying for a second so we can talk?”
“Sure.”
Things are still a bit awkward between us though we’re both trying to find our groove. It’s obvious she still harbors resentment toward me, but I’m determined to try and mend this fence. Once I have Dante in bed, I walk out to see Pamela looking at the freshly hung photos I have on the wall.
“I have copies of all of them that you’re welcome to.”
She looks over at me and I damn near flinch at the hurt in her eyes.
“I know I’ve apologized—”
She raises a hand. “I think we’ve beaten this horse to death. I’m still trying to work my way around it with my own son.”
“I caused that, and I’m sorry.”
“He didn’t have many friends growing up,” she says, scanning the pictures before glancing back at me. “He was the sweetest, most considerate child. I see a lot of Troy in Dante. And I know it has a lot to do with how you’re raising him. But that baby is most definitely my grandson.” She smiles. “Just as shy in public, but observant, he watches everyone like a hawk.”
“Troy was shy?”