Night Stars and Mourning Doves Read Online Free

“This should be a fun place to spend your time.” If he were lucky, Jay wouldn’t pick up on the quiver in his voice.
    “You think so?”
    Pushing the gear shift into park, he turned to face him. “Sure. Look over there.” He pointed to a small playground on the side lot. “They have two slides, a jungle gym, and several swings.” Casually blotting damp palms on his slacks, he went on. “Let’s see what’s inside.”
    “Okay.”
    He had to make himself turn off the ignition when all he wanted to do was slam it into reverse and take off for home. Climbing out of the vehicle was another challenge, as was opening the back door to unstrap Jay from his booster seat and ease him to the ground.
    “Don’t forget my backpack.”
    About to close the door, Eric reached into the car for the bag he hefted onto waiting shoulders that suddenly seemed very, very small. This new job of his came with a lot of mandatory on-call field time when he’d have to be on the road. He should have gone for one that wasn’t so mobile. Maybe teaching at a daycare.
    “Am I going to be able to play with the kids I met the other day?” A tiny hand slipped into his larger one.
    “Of course you are. And you’re going to have fun.” He tried hard to keep from sounding like he issued a direct order. “Just like we talked about last night.”
    “I’m going to have new friends to play with and—swings.” The little boy started to head toward the playground.
    “You’ll get to go out there sometime today, I’m pretty sure, but right now we need to go inside and let your teachers know you’re here.”
    “And meet my new friends.”
    “That’s right.” When his voice threatened to fail him, he brought it back stronger. “New friends to play with.” This will be good for you. “This will be good for you,” he reaffirmed.
    With his whole life before him, Jay had every reason to go on. Even if his father couldn’t. Eric concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other as they made their way toward the nondescript brick building.
    “I’m going to have fun.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    As Jay’s head moved side to side to absorb his new surroundings, Eric scoped out the parking lot. Among the various cars and vans, a brand new silver Mercedes seemed somehow out of place. At least we’re in good company, I suppose.
    “Hey, buddy, look up there.” He indicated the cartoon style jungle animals cavorting across a rainbow colored arc over the doorway.
    Tiny fingers gripped tighter. “Uh-huh.”
    “See the bear? The tiger? There’s an elephant,” Eric went on. “What color is the elephant, Jay?”
    The child glanced up. “Green.”
    “That’s right.” Eric shook his head. Not exactly in line with real life, but having a short break from reality couldn’t do his son any harm.
    “And the lion is red with a bright blue mane.” The young voice ricocheted back as they entered a shaded alcove.
    A beige metal panel imbedded in the bricks contained a doorbell of sorts with a large round speaker beside it.
    “We need to push this button to let the people inside know we’re out here,” Eric explained.
    He kept a firm hold on Jay’s hand as a detached female voice came back at them. “May I help you?”
    “Jay Matthews is here for his first day of school.” Planting enthusiasm into his tone, he waited until the latch was released with a loud click, then pushed open the door and ushered Jay inside ahead of him.
    The interior had a typical school building feel and smell. Well-worn brown linoleum on the floor, neutral colors—beige and yellow—on the cinder block walls. The muted commotion of children and teachers could be heard from somewhere down the hallway to their left.
    “This is nice,” Eric said as they headed in that direction.
    “Yeah.” Jay’s reply was breathy before excitement entered his voice. “This way, Daddy. This way.”
    Bouncing from foot to foot, the boy pointed one small finger to a wall-sign with the