“Yeah,” Evan says. “That’s not nice, Savannah.”
I resist the urge to flip Cameron off, and instead, duck inside the window.
“Are you really going to bring him video games?” I whisper. “Because he gets really fixated on things, so if you were just fucking around—”
“I’m going to bring him my Xbox. I don’t use it anymore.”
“Have you outgrown video games or something?” I ask.
“Hell no. By the time my mom gave it back, I already got a new system.”
I shake my head. “You rich bastard.” I turn to Evan and find him watching Cameron, anxious and excited. It worries me, scares me to want too much. “I don’t need your charity,” I say to Cameron.
“It’s not charity,” he replies seriously. “And it’s not for you. It’s for Evan.”
I pause a minute, knowing Evan deserves something fun like this. I can’t afford to give it to him. So I nod that it will be okay.
“Can I come by later and drop it off?” Cameron asks. His hand is lying palm up on the passenger seat, like he hopes I’ll reach down and take it.
“Um . . . my dad will be here in about an hour,” I say. “He doesn’t let people come over.”
Cameron’s face softens and he brings his hand back into his lap. “What if I just drop it off?” he asks. “I won’t come in or anything.”
“Savannah,” Evan says, holding on to the bottom of my shirt, stretching it out. “I want video games.”
Cameron and I stare at each other, and there’s a lot going on, but nothing being said. He’s taking care of me and I’m letting him. I want to let him, even though it makes me grateful and sick at the same time.
If I could, I’d take Evan and we’d jump in Cameron’s car. I’d make him drive us somewhere far away.
But I can’t do that. I have nowhere to run.
I smile softly at Cameron. “I’ll come outside at eight, if you want to drop it off.”
He nods, then glances past me. “Hey, Evan. I’ll see you around, okay?”
“Okay, Cameron. Bye!”
Evan’s so happy to have met someone new. I want to hold him to me and keep the moment forever. This innocent thrill. Just us.
Cameron drives away, and Evan and I watch after him until I feel my brother’s little hand slide into mine.
“He has a nice car,” Evan repeats.
“Yeah,” I say, looking down. “He’s a good guy, too. Not like most of the assholes I bring around here, right?”
Evan shakes his head. “That’s not a nice word, Savannah.”
I smile. “You’re right,” I say, pulling him toward the house.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
At seven thirty Iput Evan to bed and clean the kitchen. I called Retha for an update, but she hasn’t gotten in to see Travis yet. My father’s in the living room, drinking a beer. I’m not allowed to bring people around. The only exception is Retha, and that’s because she intimidates my father. Even Travis isn’t allowed in the house. I slip out the back door.
Walking to the curb, I take a seat on the pavement and wait. I know there’s a chance Cameron might not come back. He wouldn’t be the first guy. Just because he’s rich doesn’t mean he wants to give charity to the poor.
I hate feeling this way.
Car lights illuminate the street, but I don’t move until I know it’s him. As the car slows, I see that it is. I’m happy he came back.
