Free Janet by E. L. Todd Page B

feel better. I’m tired of being on the other end of that. A part of me wants to stay married for Joey, but the bigger part of me knows I can give him a good life by myself. My sister loves him like her own, and my parents want him around all the time. I can do this on my own.”
    “You always have me and Tony,” I said. “Even if you get divorced, we’re still family as far as I’m concerned.”
    He smiled. “I’ve always liked you, Janet. A part of me wishes I’d met you first.”
    I didn’t know what to say to that. I wasn’t expecting that comment.
    “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said.
    “It’s okay,” I said. “But I know you love Beatriz.”
    “I’m not sure anymore. I think I was just infatuated with her beauty. Now I see who she really is. Her beauty is absent.”
    “I admit my sister is…different, but she’s a good person. And I think all of this has really given her some perspective. She broke down in my arms last night. I think this is the beginning of something new.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    Joey handed me a Lego creation. It was a weird box. I wasn’t sure what it was. “Look what I made.”
    “It’s nice,” I said.
    “Daddy helps me. He’s really good.”
    “I bet he is.” I took out my phone. “Can you take some pictures of us?”
    “Sure.” He held the phone and captured the moment. Joey continued to play with the blocks while I watched him. “Is this for Beatriz?”
    I nodded.
    “You’re a good sister.”
    “That’s what she keeps telling me.”
    “So, what’s new with you?”
    “Nothing, really.”
    “Are you seeing anyone?”
    “Uh, I’m not sure.”
    “You aren’t sure?” he asked with a smile.
    “I don’t know. There’s this guy…”
    “Sounds complicated.”
    “It’s not. I’m just making it complicated.”
    “Women tend to do that,” he said. “You like him?”
    “That’s what scares me. I like him a lot even though I shouldn’t.”
    “And why not?”
    I shrugged. “He just seems—unsafe.”
    “You’re afraid he’ll hurt you.”
    I nodded. “And he’s so cocky and full of himself. I just don’t like people like that.”
    “You’re the mo st humble person I know so that makes sense.”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Give him a chance.”
    “You think?”
    “You don’t seem like you find the right guys very often. And if you like him, take the risk.”
    “I think I already did.”
    “Then ride it out.” He grabbed a toy and handed it to Joey. “I want to have a niece or nephew of my own someday.”
    I smiled. “What about your sister?”
    “She’s crazy,” he said with a laugh. “No one is going to settle down with that.”
    “I can hear you!” Tanya called.
    I laughed. “You might have to get a new babysitter.”
    “I’d love to stay home and spend the whole day with Joey,” he said. “A part of me wishes she would quit.”
    “Tony or I can watch him if your sister needs a break.”
    He avoided my gaze. “I don’t feel comfortable with that since Beatriz is living with you.”
    “Oh,” I said sadly. “She won’t be there forever. And we can keep him at Tony’s place. She’ll never know.”
    “Then I’d be okay with that.”
    “Beatriz would never hurt Joey again,” I said.
    “I have to do what’s best for my son,” he said. “I’m sorry if that offends you. But I don’t care.”
    I nodded. “I understand.”
    He ran his fingers through his hair. He sighed deeply, like he was about to pass out.
    I assumed he was tired from his long day at work. “I should get going. I just wanted to pay him a visit.”
    “You’re welcome anytime.” He stood up and walked me to the door.
    I carried Joey in my arms and gave him a kiss. “I’ll see you later, monster.”
    “Bye, Aunt Janet.”
    I put him down and he waddled away.
    Hank put his hands in his pockets. “It was nice seeing you.”
    “If you need any help, please let me know. I know being a single parent is difficult. If