Trevor had tried those pills himself because he thought they might give him a buzz, but they made him feel detached from himself, as if someone else was at the wheel. He understood Andy's reluctance, but thathad been the deal they'd struck with their parents.
“Take half the pills,” he whispered to Andy. “They wouldn't know.”
Andy smiled. “Okay.”
Another cry of pain from inside the office. This time, Trevor could hear the sharp impact of the belt.
Andy got up with his silver box. “Let me know when I can come over.”
“Will do.”
Trevor opened the book but couldn’t get through a single page before Kim came over, still in her tennis clothes. He sighed and lowered the book. “Yes?”
“Are they done yet?”
“Almost.”
“The party is tomorrow evening, and it would be embarrassing if Daniel had bruises.”
Trevor snorted. “I think your guests wouldn’t mind. It's not like they don’t leave some themselves.”
“I guess you’re right. You know I always get nervous before these things.”
“Why? You’re a natural.”
“A natural faker, dear, as a lady ought to be. Will you make an effort to be nice?”
“I always make an effort, but they bore me.”
“Everything bores you. Even as a kid, no toy could keep your attention for more than a minute, and I bought you the most expensive toys, obviously.”
“I still turned out okay, didn’t I?” Although he wasrather lost in the greater scheme of things, not ready to start college, and severely lacking in the friends department. It wasn’t hard to understand his father’s disappointment.
Kim touched his cheek. “You are perfect, and you know it.”
“You have to say it.”
“Do you know me so little?”
Trevor smiled. Kimberly Mitchell spoke her mind, like it or not.
“I’ll make sure he’s ready for your guests tomorrow, and I’ll do my best to be nice.”
Kim leaned down and kissed him on the mouth. “You’re my favorite for a reason.”
The office door opened ten minutes later, as Trevor was enjoying the first bloody scene in his book. Robert and Daniel walked out, with Robert looking pleased and Daniel looking like he hadn’t slept for three days.
“Were you waiting here this whole time?” Robert asked.
“Yes.”
“I wish you’d find better use of your time.”
“I was reading literature.”
Robert glanced at the book cover and rolled his eyes.
Everyone’s a critic.
