The girls are in the kitchen with a friend, having breakfast, when I step outside for a smoke. The big downside to the tiny dress I've put on is the lack of pockets, and I'm seriously considering finding a little purse or something to stash my cigarette case and lighter, just to I can keep the twins from messing around with them.

I've already got a cigarette between my lips, unlit, when I step barefoot onto the front steps, finding that there's already someone that's claimed the spot I was gonna take.

"Hey," I say to the kid, walking to the edge of the steps and asking, "Mind some company?" He's little, and alone, but I already know that just 'cause he's a kid today, that doesn't mean that's always the case.