Chapter 64

“I didn’t know we had company,” I said.

“We’re not company,” Mrs. Ledbetter said. “We’re family.”

“How are you feeling?” Mr. Ledbetter asked.

“I’m still not dead,” I said.

Mrs. Ledbetter chuckled, took a drag on her vape pen.

“Someone has the boo boos, and I need to take a shower and get ready,” I said, glancing at Jackson.

“Don’t look at me,” Jackson said, holding up his hands. “When he gets into the boo boos, he ain’t got no use for me.”

“‘Ain’t got’?” Mrs. Ledbetter repeated. “You’ve been down here too long, Jackie.”

“What are the boo boos?” Mr. Ledbetter asked.

“He gets insecure sometimes,” I said.

“Not uncommon for a child of his condition,” he replied. “Would you like us to watch him for you?”

“He won’t let anyone near him,” Jackson said. “Not when he gets into one of his moods. Only his daddy.”

“You don’t look very well,” Mrs. Ledbetter said to me. “Are you sure you’re up to the visitation? You don’t have to go, you know. I don’t think anyone would begrudge you.”