Henry
I believe what Dad said about having had a conversation with my mom regarding me staying in Sugar Bay, but I’m not convincedshe was as enthusiastic as he made it seem. When she calls late in the afternoon on Friday, she surprises me.
“Henry! Of course I’m okay with it,” she tells me while I sit in one of Blitz Brew’s booths, wolfing down the Reuben I earned walking the pier. Davis rolled in half an hour ago. I haven’t spoken to him since he gargled with peanut butter. “I’ll miss you with everything I’ve got,” Mom goes on. “I already do. But I’ve been lucky to have you with me for almost eighteen years. It’s only fair that your dad get some time too.”
“You’re sure?” I think about all the stuff I take care of around the house—stuff my pop did for Mom and me before he passed, like mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, hauling bins of holiday decorations in and out of the garage. It’s not like Mom’s helpless; she’s been pushing the mower all summer. But she shouldn’t have to, not on top of work and school and everything else.
“I’m very sure. Don’t worry about me.”
“Whitney’s gonna lose her mind if I’m not back in Spokane in a few weeks.”
“Whitney’s not your responsibility.”
She’s right; I know this, rationally. So why do I feel like I’ve got to do everything I can to avoid hurting her feelings? Is it guilt? Shared suffering? Habit?
Davis comes out of his office, spots me, and flashes me a peace sign.
I roll my eyes.
“Your dad said you’ve been spending time with one of his neighbors,” Mom says.
Jesus H—is nothing sacred? Piper’s no secret, but I would’ve liked to tell my mom about her in my own time, in my own way.
“Yeah. Her name’s Piper.”
“Is she a factor in whether you enroll at Sugar Bay High?”
“I mean, it wouldn’t suck, spending the next year with her.”
“If you like her, I do too. Just…please be careful.”
My face goes hot. Her appeal’s as subtle as a sledgehammer. But she’s a mom and a nurse, and I have a history. She’s obligated to say this shit to me.
“Don’t worry,” I reply, which probably only makes her worry more. I could tell her Dad has made sure I have a reserve of condoms at my disposal, but that just seems mean. Instead, I try to reassure her. “I’ve learned my lesson.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You let me know what you decide about your living situation. If you want to talk it out, call me.”
“I will.”
“And, Henry, don’t think about me when you’re making your choice. Don’t think about Whitney, don’t think about your dad, and don’t think about Piper. Do what’s right for you.”
She tells me, like always, that I’m her whole heart. We hang up, and I finish my sandwich, pretending to read while I watch Dad do his thing with guests and staff.
He’s good at his job. He handles his business. Everyone adores him.
It’s stupid of me to get bent out of shape about one wild night.
I’m pulling cash for a tip out of my wallet when a trio of guys walks past my table. My hackles go up. It’s the sack of shit who harassed Piper here and at the marine park, plus a kid who I bet is his younger brother and a man who’s got to be their father.
They’re rambunctious, and they’re drawing a lot of attention. The scumbag—Damon, Piper called him—is whaling on his brother, taking cheap shots at the back of his head as they follow Cassie, the hostess who’s stuck dealing with them. The little one snakes a hand out to pinch the back of his brother’s arm. Damon retaliates with a slug to the gut, sending his brother hurtling into the chair of a middle-aged man trying to eat a burger. Their dad brings up the rear, distracted by his phone while his offspring act like wild animals.
The restaurant’s din lowers, like the newcomers are sucking the spirit out of the place.
When they reach their table, their father finally takes notice. He pockets his phone, grabs Damon’s arm, and yanks him aside. He hisses a warning, nostrils flaring. He clenches his kid so tight, I bet there’ll be marks tomorrow. Beneath the bill of his filthy hat, the lowlife scowls. He twists out of his father’s grip, rubbing his arm and muttering under his breath.
He gives his brother the finger as soon as he’s sure their dad’s not looking.
Cassie drops their menus on the table, then hurries back to the host station.
