He smiles, like he knew that by pouting I’d say yes. “I’ll wait here.”
I roll my eyes and go to wait for Evan’s bus. My brother will be so excited. Meeting people always makes him happy.
“Cameron’s here!” Evan yells, bolting for the car. I worry he’s hoping Cameron brought a new game system to replace the one our dad sold, and when I catch up to him, he’s already at Cameron’s window.
“Really?” Evan says. He turns to me, wide-eyed. “He’s going to take me for a ride in his car!”
“I know,” I say. “Let’s get you in the back and buckled up.”
Evan is squealing and squirming, so I sit with him.
“I feel like a chauffeur,” Cameron says as we drive toward his house.
“I wish I had one of those glass windows I could put up so I couldn’t hear you,” I say. Evan laughs.
“Hey,” Cameron says, glancing back at him. “I thought you were on my side.”
“I’m on Savannah’s side.”
“Thank you,” I say, and wrap my arm around him.
When I meet Cameron’s eyes in the mirror, he seems content. And just before I look away, he winks at me.
***
I’m not sure if Evan will ever want to leave. Kendra’s in high gear, baking brownies and doing art projects with him. I actually watch in amazement. Her patience is really beautiful. She’s better than Kathy.
“Sutton,” Cameron says. I’m at the kitchen sink, and I turn to look over my shoulder at him.
“What?”
“Want to play pool?” he asks.
“No. It’s getting late. We should go.”
“How about a swim? My mom will let you borrow a suit.”
“No. Maybe another time.”
He smirks. “You actually sounded like you meant it.”
“Shut up.” I turn around to watch my brother a moment longer.
Evan is giggling and coloring. He’s so happy, and it makes me wish he could have grown up this way. With a mother, a nice house, even a stupid pool. It’s not fair that all he has is me. Okay, he has Kathy, too. But she’s nothing like Kendra. My aunt cut me out of her life without waiting for an explanation. I had no one else to look after me. What sort of person does that make her? Certainly not a mother. At least, not in my eyes.
“Hey,” Cameron says softly.
I sniffle. “What?”
He walks around to look at me, studying my face and seeing that I’ve started to cry. He doesn’t mention it, but turns around and walks to the table.
“Mom,” Cameron says. “I’m sorry to break up your playdate, but Evan has to go home now.”
She slaps his hip. “Aw, but we’re having so much fun.” She turns her attention to Evan, brushing his blond hair.
“Evan,” she says. He looks up at her happily. “It was very nice meeting you.”
“Nice meeting you, too.” But he doesn’t move.
