“Not really. I mean, he’s my dad, right?”
I nod, but it doesn’t make sense to me. At my house we wear our anger on our sleeves.
“If you’re bored we could just stay in my driveway and make out,” Cameron says, startling me out of my thoughts. He laughs when I look at him.
“Not this time,” I say, blushing. “Besides, we’d better get you to school. I like riding around town in your Beamer. Would hate for it to get taken away.”
“Glad you’re thinking of my well-being.”
“And you have to be close to your absent days.”
“One day left,” he says. “Want to cut?”
“No. I save my days in case Evan needs me.”
He glances in the rearview mirror and backs out of the driveway. When he shifts into gear, I lean over and kiss his cheek. I can’t help myself. I hated seeing him look so sad and embarrassed in his house.
When I sit back in my seat, my hands trembling, Cameron’s lips turn up into a grin. “You’d better be careful, Sutton,” he says, watching the road. “Or you’ll end up falling in love with me.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
With Retha and Travisgone, I don’t have transportation to and from school. I’m too scared to walk, afraid Patrick will be waiting for me. I can’t pretend to handle it on my own.
I don’t ask, but Cameron picks me up and takes me home. I’m glad I don’t have to ask, because I’m not sure I would. I love the easy way we settle into a routine. How he just seems to know what I need. And in return, all I ever give him is a simple kiss on the cheek.
After school Cameron parks in front of my house and waits with me for Evan’s bus. I’d asked him not to, but he does anyway. He’s very convincing with that stupid smile.
“It’s Friday night,” Cameron says, not looking at me.
“Awesome,” I say unenthusiastically.
“Want to come out with me?”
“I can’t. I have Evan tonight. Kathy has a thing.” I laugh. “My aunt has more of a life than I do.”
“What if you and Evan come to my house?” he says. “My mom would like to meet him.”
“I can’t.” But when I think about it, I know that Evan would be thrilled to see Cameron’s house. It might be nice to let Kendra dote on him for a little bit.
“Savannah, will you please let Evan come to dinner tonight?” he asks softly. “I’ll bring you both home right after.”
My chest hurts because I know that Cameron cares about me. I want to care about him, but I don’t understand why he wants to get involved in something like this.
“Why?” I ask.
He looks confused. “Why what?”
“Why do you want us to come over?”
Cameron pauses, looking up the street. “I just do.”
And it’s such a simple answer. He doesn’t profess his love or make a joke; this means more. I can feel how much he wants me there. How much he wants Evan there. I feel . . . special. My brother’s bus turns onto our street.
“There’s Evan,” I say.
Cameron drops his head. “See you later.”
“Hey,” I say, slapping his thigh. “We’ll come to your dinner or whatever.”
