We were both laughing as we went into our separate rooms.By the time I changed and came back outside, Toby was waiting with his brother, saying something that had Austin broadly smiling.
“The slowpoke is finally back out,” Toby teased.
I rolled my eyes.“I wasn’t that slow.”
“I’m a slow changer and I still beat you,” Austin said.
“Whose side are you on?”I asked.
“My brother’s.”He was proud of his response.
“Of course.”I should have known better.
We headed back to the main floor, where his parents were already waiting for them.On our way down, I got a text from Janice.
“Oh, do you mind waiting a little longer before we head home,” I asked Toby as we watched them load Austin up the ramp and into the van.
“What’s going on?”
“Janice is here.She’s in the cafeteria right now, but she’s about to go meet someone.I want to give her a ride back.”
“Sure, I’m hungry anyway.”Toby wrapped his arm around my shoulders and led the way to the cafeteria.“Thank you, by the way.”
“For what?”
“Coming.Hanging out with Austin and me.He really likes you.”
“He seems like a sweet kid.”
“Yeah.”Toby’s smile dimmed a little.“He always has been.I’m serious though, you coming meant a lot for me.And for him.Austin really needed this.”
“Only Austin?”I asked.
“Not gonna lie.I did too.You helped me more than you think.”
I reached up and grabbed the arm draped over my shoulder.“Everyone is doing the best they can, including you.Austin fricken adores you.Don’t forget that.”
Toby kissed my temple.“Thanks,” he whispered as we went inside the cafeteria.
After we grabbed parfaits, we spotted Janice.She was at a table by the window, stirring a cup of tea with a distant look on her face.Her shoulders were hunched slightly, a telltale sign of her nerves.
She jumped, startled at our appearance.“Oh shit.You can’t sneak up on a girl like that.”
I raised an eyebrow.“Sorry—are you okay?What are you doing here?”I settled across from her, watching her closely.Toby didn’t hesitate to dig into his snack, giving us as much privacy as one could when sitting together at the small table where his knee kept bumping with mine.
“Well, you know I technically lived with some shitty relatives when I was here.But there was an older woman who helped me.A lot.A safe place to sleep when she was able.Food.She was like, I don’t know, a second mother to me?Anyway, she’s here and sick.”
“Have you seen her yet?”I asked.
“I’m scared.I haven’t seen her or contacted her since I left and it wasn’t long after I left that they diagnosed her.I’m sure I’m the last person she wants to deal with right now when she’s so sick.”She blew out a breath.“I’ve been thinking in circles and haven’t been able to move.That’s why I texted you.”
I reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.“Do you want some company?”
Her eyes lit up with relief.“Would you mind?I just...I don’t want to go alone.”
“Of course,” I said, my tone firm.
Toby spoke up.“I’ll stay with the kids.Maybe play some more songs while I wait for you.”
