Robbie grabbed his backpack from his cubby and headed toward his room. “I’m going to do homework. Please let me know when you’re leaving to get Madison.”
“Will do,” I said.
He paused at the door of his bedroom. “Grady?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re good enough for my mom. For all of us.” He shrugged. “And we’ll take you rich or poor, as long as you want to be part of our family.”
Then he disappeared into his room, leaving me near tears.
I washed the rest of the dishes and tidied up the counter, thinking about what Robbie had said. Could it be true that Esme shared my feelings? If so, what had kept her from opening up to me? Would things be different if I were in a different place in life? As in, financially solid, with a grown-up job instead of teaching surfing and selling boards? Was my perpetual summer fated to end so that I could get the girl?
I pulled out my phone and texted Mara.
Grady
Flight comes in tomorrow at half past three. You still able to pick me up?
Mara
I’ll be outside baggage claim. I’m really glad you’re coming.
Grady
I have to face whatever this is. Even if I don’t want to.
Mara
XOXO
I wandered over to the sofa and turned on the television, but kept it muted, staring at the screen without really seeing it. Trevor hopped up beside me and put his head on my lap. I scratched behind his ears and waited.
A text came in from Esme.
Esme
We’re ready. She’s dressed and driving the nurses crazy asking when she can go home.
Grady
On my way. Fifteen minutes.
Esme
Can’t wait to see you. And thanks for being here for me.
Grady
Always.
Esme was standingoutside the main entrance when I pulled up, one arm around Madison who was slumped against her side, clearly still on pain meds. Esme’s hair was in a messy bun and there were dark circles under her eyes. But she smiled and waved when she saw me.
I got out of the car to help them. Madison’s left arm was in a bright blue cast from fingertips to above her elbow. Her eyes were glassy, half-closed.
“Hey, Sweet Pea,” I said. “How you feeling?”
“Sad.” Her high-pitched voice was unusually subdued. “Mom says I can’t go to school tomorrow.”
