I'm in the kitchen making coffee when Drew finds me. He leans against the counter, trying too hard to look casual.
"Morning," he says, watching me stir cream into my mug.
"Morning," I reply, bracing for another well-meaning check-in.
"So, about today..."
Deep breath out. "What's happening today?"
"The Rainbow Haven House event? The gingerbread thing?"
My stomach drops. In the chaos of the past few days, between investigating my father's manipulation and avoiding James, I'd completely forgotten about the promise I'd made weeks ago.
"Right,"Oh shit."What time are we heading over?"
Drew studies me carefully. "You still want to go? I mean, with everything..."
By "everything," he means the awkward dance James and I have been doing around the house. James has barely been around, but when he is, his presence fills every room like a storm cloud. He's snapped at Tyler for asking if he's okay, barked at Gavin for trying to fix him breakfast, and generally made it clear he wants to be left alone.
"I said I would go. Is that going to be a problem?"
Drew shrugs. "Not for me. But James will be going as well. It's kind of his thing."
"I figured." The coffee burns as I swallow it.Whiskey would be better."Look, we're adults. We can be in the same room for a few hours without the world ending."
He looks unconvinced. "If you're sure..."
"I'm sure." The truth is, I'm desperate for a chance to talk to James, to explain that I know my father manipulated us both. Or at least apologize for believing the worst. Whether he'll listen is another matter entirely.
"Cars leave at one," Drew says, pushing off the counter. "Gavin's driving the SUV if you want a ride."
"I'll be there."
As he leaves, I stare into my coffee and wonder if I'm making a huge mistake.
Rainbow Haven Houseisn't what I expected. Located on the edge of town, it's a three-story building that might have once been a small community center or church. The white paint is peeling, the front steps sag slightly, and one of the downspouts on the gutter hangs awkwardly.
However, there are also signs of care, including window boxes filled with winter plants, a neatly swept walkway, and a large rainbow flag flying proudly from a nearby pole.
"What do you think?" Gavin asks as we climb out of his SUV. Two other cars with frat guys are pulling up behind us.
"It's..."Can't say 'depressing.' Can't say 'a dump.' What's the word that won't insult anyone?
"A dump?" Gavin supplies cheerfully. "James says they spend all their funding on the kids, not the building."
That makes sense, but as I look up at the sagging roofline and think about teenagers living here, I can't help but feel a twinge of concern. The place needs serious work, not only cosmetic repairs, but structural ones.
Inside is marginally better. The foyer opens into a large common room where several foldout tables have been set up, waiting for the decorating supplies to arrive.
The walls are painted in bright colours but with visible patches and repairs. Despite the obvious age of everything from the furniture to the light fixtures, it's warm and clean.
About twenty teenagers mill around, eyeing our group with varying degrees of interest and suspicion. They're diverse in every way: race, style, and gender expression. They all share a wariness I recognize all too well. It's the look of kids who've learned adults can't always be trusted.
A tall man with warm brown skin and a neatly trimmed beard approaches us, extending his hand to Drew first.
"Drew! Thanks for bringing the guys." He turns to the rest of us with a wide smile. "I'm Marcus Rodriguez, house manager. Welcome to Rainbow Haven."
As Marcus is introduced to the guys, I scan the room for James, finally spotting him in a far corner, deep in conversation with a girl with pink hair and multiple piercings. She's waving her hands around while smiling, and I'm struck by how relaxedJames looks, more at ease than I've ever seen him at the frat house or on campus.
