“I did, but we got a little busy this past year and haven’t put any of the new
photos up. Although I don’t mind. I didn’t want them taken in the first place,” he
said. “I would’ve preferred the pictures with the laser background. Instead, I’m
leaning against a tree.”
“Oh, those laser backgrounds are marvelous. And I understand about the tree. You
don’t want anyone to assume you’re an outdoorsy, burly lumberjack,” she said with a
chuckle, sitting beside him on the couch.
“Well, I could be a lumberjack if I wanted to,” William retorted.
“Ha! I just don’t see you ever picking up an ax,” she teased. She leaned her head
on his shoulder.
They sat in silence for a moment.
“I can’t wait to eat. I didn’t eat lunch today,” Casey said.
“The pizza should be here soon, though I don’t know when my dad left,” William
replied. He gave her thigh a gentle squeeze. “Why’d you skip lunch?”
“I got busy with things, and when I noticed the time, it was already four,” she
said. She took his hand and traced slow circles on his skin with her thumb. “I see
you were able to talk your family out of decorations.”
“Yeah,” he said, rubbing her thumb back. “I told them I wouldn’t come if there were
decorations.”
Through the window, he saw his dad’s truck pull into the driveway. He let go of her
hand.
“Looks like the food is here. I’ll be right back.”
He went out to help his grandmother while his father carried the pizzas.
“Happy birthday, William,” his grandmother said as he helped her out of the truck.
She wasn’t frail, but the family treated her like she was. Once she stepped out,