SINFULLY YOURS

R

eople, it was just another suburban townhouse development, way out

the next. The kind with peeling paint, leaky faucets, and neighbors who got into screa

changed. We left the city behind because sh

on-her-luck single mom meets a guy who actually gives a damn, sweeps her off to a quiet little tow

cts like a Joe. And thank God for that. Because before Joe, my mom had a thing for gu

urner was a se

getting

I met them-the twins who l

of identical townhouses facing each other. To the left, there were woods. To the right, this incredible rock formation surrounde

ut to a kid like me-who had only ever known cracked

e were them.

kid who had never built a proper fort, never caught tadpoles, never spent an afte

oving truck pulled up

ere it al

this is whe

lizing I've just said

podium. In a churc

crying. Ever

l I finish this. Because this is the last thing I can do for Eric. My last chance to tell him, in front

here it ends." The words are right the

on't sa

an it's over. And it'

end is one thing.

en begin t

nt to mechanic school, and Julia moved away to become a chef. How Eric and I started Hill Top

l these little details. But I need to say them. I need t

I'm just

outside. Get into the limos. Drive to the

ot ready

words. I mumble out a goodb

nd whispers, "Very nicely done, Tre

nk, God,

arrying Eric's casket. Then standing at his grave, staring down at a wooden box covered i

some point, e

except me

the fresh dirt. The backhoe is waiting, parked a few feet

doesn't break down or

nds folded in her lap,

what she'

thinking the

o this? How do we ke

-heavy, e

staying?" I a

kes her head.

en for

ead again. "I ne

hy

en, barely a whis

back next week for th

ink I'm goi

he first time tod

over her shoulders. Plump lips, though her lipstick is long gone. Her black dress is si

delicate web of

lo

eart jus

I don't know. I just kno

an arm a

it's the first bit of r

nd Eric switched pla

y laugh. "Oh, God.

cause he wanted to

upposed to wash the car, and I was supposed to sweep the patio." She looks

've missed you. Why'd y

o." A pause. Then,

so small it nearly disappears-"I wanted

the ache in my chest

nd she leans into me.

le while, we j

n to the