even if you don't realize it, you are moving forward

 

J was too tired for this. Although he wasn't exactly late for the party, he felt like it. 

No, the days weren't getting all that better. He knew Stevie was hopeful and he was determined to stick with the job, but so many part-timers came and went. It was like he was the stupid one for staying. But then again, he got used to the regulars and knew what they wanted at the Philly sandwich place before they did, a lot of times during rush hour.

He'd hear young airmen talk about guns and ammo and there was the family who always met up with other retirees. Although, it was hard to say who was the autistic son and who was the dad. They all had white hair. It seemed the mom and the son were more of a couple than the old man.

Yes, just crap he supposed churning in his head. It wasn't even something he would discuss with Stevie. But the world was a little warped and he'd look up and see the news on the big TV in the food court during his day. Sure enough, he knew the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Although, he still wondered what they were talking about when they said 'handbasket'. Oh, it was all so troubling.

But at least he'd cleaned up and was ready to be served dinner. Of course, there was Stevie wearing one of Carrie's sweaters. Strawberries no less. He practically rolled his eyes at that. Not that he'd say he hated it, but he had to wonder just how frilly Carrie could make him if she got her hands on him.

J brought flowers. Stevie had asked him to. He'd even pushed a twenty in his hand before he'd left to work this morning and ordered him to do it. 

Of course, Carrie was all smiles.  Holly not so much. Looking at him as if he was some fool. Didn't he know it was just dinner?

"Well, it's just the four of us-" he started but the doorbell rang. J turned to look over his shoulder.

When he saw who it was, he couldn't help but stare. What the hell, he thought. Why was Tobey here?

Soon enough, he realized Tobey wasn't going by Tobey anymore. He was Liam now.

J only winced. He really didn't want to start anything, but what was going on? Oh, what he'd been through with Tobey. He shook his head. He'd practically shit himself when Tobey held up the yogurt shop all those weeks ago.

He looked down at Tobey's sneakers. Hell, if he wasn't wearing the same damn sneakers. 

J looked up and stared Tobey down. Who in the hell did he think he was? Oh, he was calling him out, all right.