Evan grins at him, then looks at me.“If you want company…”
“I’m fine.I don’t need company or sympathy.”
“However, he’s still at Ian’s,” my son tells me.
“Evan,” Chris mutters through clenched teeth.
“What?”
“It doesn’t matter, Chris.You don’t have to avoid saying his name because of me.”
“I thought it would help,” Evan says.
“With what?”Chris asks.
“I don’t know.Maybe talk some sense into them?”
“I should go now.”I walk towards the door.
“Call me if you need anything.”Chris hugs me.
I nod, let go of Chris, and walk down the driveway with Ryan following me.
“Are you really sure?”he asks.
“I’m not a kid, Ryan.I am capable of being alone.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I shouldn’t have come; it was just routine.I’ll try not to repeat the same mistake.”
“Don’t be an idiot.This is your family.”
Shit, Ryan.I almost make it to the car before I start crying.
“Now it’s yours.”
“But you’re part of it, even if you are a squatter.Besides, I’m used to your fucking face by now.”
Luckily, he always knows how to break the tension.
“I got used to yours, too.”
“Here I am.Ready.”Evan steps out of the house, a backpack slung over one shoulder.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m coming with you.”
“I told you, I don’t need company.”
“Don’t make it a big deal.Just unlock the door.I brought a stack of DVDs because you never have anything at home.”
I get into the car as Chris stands at the door, ready to say goodbye.
“It wasn’t necessary, Evan, really,” I tell my son as I start the engine.
“Maybe I just wanted to be with my dad.”
