In Real Life

 

OUT FRONT, GARY was teaching Rex how to play jacks. They’d bought a set at the bookstore down the street.

“Do they sell Cubes there?” Odette asked.

“No,” said Rex. “Why would they?”

“I just thought it would be cool if they did,” Odette said. “You know, if they had a Whales, Porpoises, and Dolphins one just waiting for you to buy it.”

“That kind of stuff never happens in real life,” Rex said.

“But it would be cool if it did,” Odette said.

“I guess.” Rex tracked the bouncy ball with his eyes, scooping up sets of jacks after each bounce. “Watch this,” he said. “I can do foursies.”