I checked on her a few more times while people were there, but it didn’t seem as though she was going to wake up anytime soon. Mom helped clean up and took Tommy to her house, asking Josh if he could stay with her until Josh was ready to leave. I told Josh that he could stay the night, and Mom was more than happy to have Tommy with her.
Josh and I settled on the back patio.
He took a swig of his beer. “How are you, fucktard?”
I laughed. It seemed like so long ago since we’d talked shit and worked in that bowling alley. “It goes alright, shitstain.”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Some days are rougher than others. She’s having a good day today, more upbeat than yesterday.”
He laughed. “I asked how you are.”
“We’re one and the same, Josh. I’m whatever she is.”
“So no regrets?”
I shook my head. “None.”
“Even with the cancer?”
“I didn’t choose to fall in love with her; I just did. Just like she didn’t choose to have cancer; she just does.”
The back door slid open, and she stepped out. “I missed my own birthday party.” She laughed. “What kind of person does that?”
She walked over and curled up on my lap, running her hand over my head. “Thank you.” She kissed my cheek. “I had a good birthday.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Hey, C-Lo,” Josh interrupted.
Chloe turned to him.
“He kinda looks like Gollum, no?”
She laughed. “He does not. He looks hot.”
Josh shook his head. “You always get the girl, bald head and all.”
Chloe chuckled. “Free-Pussy Hunter,” she mocked.
I shook my head at her. “Cute, babe. Throw me under the bus.”
She laughed harder, moving closer and kissing my neck.
“Fuck, that was a good night,” Josh said. “Hey C-Lo, when you get better we should go back there, for old time’s sake.”
Her face lit up. “Fire truck yeah, we will!”