DISTRACTED LATELY

I really don’t know what to do with that. And I don’t like that she’s on my mind so much.

“Look,” Kenny indicates my desk, “as soon as it gets to five, you will clock out and leave with me. You and I will go to a restaurant and have dinner together. Then we’ll go back to my place and have a few beers. In the morning, you’ll be taking the morning off. I’ll go to work and ensure things are running smoothly, and you can come in after lunch. Nobody’s going to care that you do it every now and then.”

I frown. While it does sound tempting, Kenny seems to have forgotten a few things.

“You do recall that I’m a single parent, right? I know Regina is thirteen, but I can’t leave her alone for that long, certainly not overnight.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already told Mom. She will be there tonight to look after Regina while you chill.”

“What? You spoke to Mom before speaking to me.”

Kenny spreads his hands.

“Well, she’s just as concerned about you. It was her idea, actually, and I can see how good thi