“Bless you,” I say.
“Thanks.” He wipes his nose with a tissue and reaches for a bottle of orange liquid. He unscrews the top and takes a long drink before continuing. “They’re doing some traveling. They were in England, then France, Amsterdam…”
“And now Italy for a month?”
He nods.
“How long ago did they leave?” I glance around the house. I’ve only been here a few times, but I remember it being tidier. There’s a stack of mail on the dining room table that looks like it’s been accumulating for a while.
“I’m not sure. A few weeks ago. Maybe a month.”
“And they’re going to be gone another month?”
“They’re coming back in time for Christmas.”
I try very hard not to show my emotions, because what the fuck?
“I thought they were working.”
“They are.” His voice takes on a slight defensiveness. “They’re meeting with clients while they travel.”
“Dude…”
“It’s fine. I’m fine. It’s not like they’re around that much when they’re here anyway.”
“And you’ve just been staying here by yourself?” I ask.
“Aww. Are you worried about me, Cap?” He grins. “As you can see, I’m fine.”
Then he sneezes again.
“Why haven’t you said anything?” Staying in this house all by himself sounds awful and lonely. Dad and I don’t talk that much, but there’s a reassurance in hearing someone else moving around at least.
“Because I’m fine.”
“Why don’t you come stay with me?”
“No.” Rowan shakes his head.
“Why not?”
“I’m okay here. Really.”
“Then at least come for dinner.”
“Seriously. I don’t need anything. Except for you to tell me what’s up with you and Lacey. I’m assuming that’s why you drove all the way out here.”
“I came because Austin said you were sick and you weren’t answering your phone.”
“Uh-huh.” He waits like he knows there’s more to it than that.
“Nothing’s up with me and Lacey. We aren’t talking anymore.” I shrug like I don’t care while we both know I do.
“Is that why you’ve been spending every waking second practicing, to take your mind off her?”
If that were my plan, it isn’t working. “I’m just trying to focus on improving.”
“You’re the best forward in the state.”
