Trevor lumbered to his feet and ambled over, pressing his head gently against Robbie’s leg. Robbie absently rested a hand on his head, fingers moving in slow, absentminded strokes.
“Have you heard from Mother? How’s Madison?”
“Yes, they’re both fine. Madison’s being discharged this afternoon. Your mom’s going to text me when they’re ready.” I flipped the sandwich, happy to see that the bread had not burned.
“Good. I’ll be sure to have my homework done before they get home. Thank you for remembering about the crusts.”
“My pleasure.”
When it was golden brown on both sides and the cheese had melted, I slid the sandwich onto a plate, poured the soup into a bowl, then set them in front of him at the table. I sat across from him, sensing he had something to say.
“Mother will be worrying about how to pay the medical bill.” Robbie said this matter-of-factly. “Our insurance is sub-par.”
“Let her worry about that. You’re a kid.”
He tilted his head to one side. “A different kind of kid.”
“A great kid,” I said.
He smiled. “Thanks, Grady. Not everyone sees me that way.”
“Well, those people aren’t worth hanging with, right?”
Robbie picked up half the sandwich, studied it for a second before taking a bite. “Did Mother talk to you about what we discovered? About who you really are?”
“She did. We were talking about it when she got the call from school about Madison.”
“Are you mad at me? For figuring it out?”
“Gosh, no. I was the one who gave it away. When I saw the news about my father’s death, I sort of freaked out.”
“And ran out of here.”
“That’s right. Your mom knows me better than anyone. She could tell something was wrong. It’s no surprise she had you do a little digging.”
“I find it interesting that you worked as a talent agent in Los Angeles. I would not have predicted that.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re Grady. You’re fun. Spontaneous. Curious. I can’t imagine you wearing a suit.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not wearing a suit any longer.”
“Are you sad?” Robbie asked.
“You mean about my dad’s death?”
“Yes.”
“My feelings are complicated. I won’t mourn him, if that’s what you want to know. He was a terrible person. The world’s better off without him.”
Robbie nodded slowly. “My father’s terrible too. I don’t think I would be sad if he died.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I’m glad he’s gone but I wish he’d help Mother with money. He’s always out of a job. Did you know it’s because of me that Mother kicked him out? I was a disappointment to him. He couldn’t understand me. And he didn’t try.”
“That’s his loss, I’m sorry to say.”
