“I know. But you’re going to have fun, kiddo. Just like you always do. And then I’ll be at Ms. Albertson’s after I get out of school to pick you up. Like always.” Preschool is only half days, and she rides the bus to our neighbor’s house until I can get her after school while Mom works at the distribution plant during the week.

I hate leaving her every morning, though, knowing she isn’t happy. “I don’t want to go, and Ms. Albertson’s house smells funny.”

I try not to laugh and put on my big-brother frown instead because she’s not wrong. Ms. Albertson is almost ninety years old and has six cats. It’s not always pleasant-smelling, but she’s nice, and she takes care of Lucy.

“Be nice.” She huffs, and I hug her little body to mine. “If you’re good, we’ll go to Dairy Queen when I pick you up.”

She lights up at that, her big eyes growing even bigger. “You promise?”

I grin and hug her again before standing up to my full height. “I promise. Go have fun with your friends. Learn something.”

She finally reluctantly agrees, and thank fuck, because I’m almost late. I wave to the greeters at her school as she goes inside, and then I head for my truck, hauling ass across town to the high school. I park and run inside, heading to my locker where I’m greeted by Kingston and his wide grin, his arm around Kennedy.

I guess they made up.

“You’re late, man,” he says unhelpfully as I grab my book for first period and slam my locker closed.

“Yeah, Luce wasn’t feeling school today.” I nod hello to Kennedy, and she nods right back, her smile bright and happy.

Kingston, however, frowns with worry. “Why? Is some little shit being an asshole to my girl?”

I chuckle, heading for the homeroom I share with Kingston and Kennedy, so they follow along. “No. She’s fine. She likes being at home with her toys.”

“You sure?” He still sounds worried, and I can’t say that I hate the love he shows for my little sister. He’s her big brother just as much as I am.

“Yeah, she’s fine.” I take my seat, and he takes his, right behind me with Kennedy to his right. “I had to promise her ice cream after school.”

“Hell yeah, I’m in. After practice, right?”

Fuck, I forgot about practice. How the hell did I forget about practice? I mean, Mrs. Albertson will watch her until I get there, regardless, but I can’t believe I forgot I’ll be an hour later today. Although, I guess that’s the way it is on most days.

It’ll be fine.