It’s not your fault she never told you.
Maybe she tried and I wasn’t listening.
You have to stop beating yourself up … I’m so sorry, but I have to get to class. Come by later?
That would be great.
Hang in there. xx
I focus back on my mom’s computer, on the other men who’ve replied to my message—William, Jack, and Cory. All pleasantly surprised, polite responses. Within fifteen minutes, I have all four on their way to Caffe Reggio, at appropriately staggered times.
“Hey.” When I look up, there’s Annie. I slam the laptop closed. “Wow, that was subtle.”
“What do you want, Annie?” I snap. I am out of patience with her and whatever this is.
“You need to call my mom,” she says. “She’s called you and texted, and you haven’t responded. And now she’s totally worried. It’s rude and selfish. You showed up at our house asking for help, remember?”
I look around in an exaggerated fashion. “Did you stalk me here to tell me that?”
Annie snorts. “Actually, I came here with myboyfriendto study.” It isn’t until she motions behind her that I see Geoff at a table by the window. He glances once in our direction, then looks away.
“You’redatingGeoff?” I ask. With a tone:Geoff, the drug addict.I can’t help it.
“Like you’re one to judge anyone’s boyfriends,” she says. She must know about Kyle from Geoff. “Anyway, how is it your business?”
“It’s my business if you told Geoff I grew up across the street from you. And he went to my house and got into it with my mom.”
“Nope,” she says. “We both actually have better things to do with our time than deal with the members of your degenerate family.”
“Mydegenerate family?”
“Your mom is an okay person, I guess,” she says.
“Gee, thanks, I mean considering that she could be bleeding out somewhere, that’s awfully generous.”
But it’s like she’s not even listening. “It’s the rest of you who go around doing whatever you want. No matter who it hurts.”
“Right,” I say, because I want Annie to go away.
“Anyway,mymom actually, genuinely cares about people. And she’s always been nice to you.” Not that Annie exactly sounds happy about this. “And here she is checking in on you and being nice and you don’t even care that she’s worried. You’re selfish. And so is your dad.”
Annie turns and heads back to her table. I watch her say something to Geoff as she sits down across from him. He leans in, then turns to look over at me. I nod, stupidly. Janine has texted me a few times. I don’t know how many. It was rude to ignore her. But she seemed so worried in her messages. I was afraid it would makememore worried if I talked to her.
I’m so sorry!I text her now.I’m fine. Didn’t mean to scare you.
Oh, I’m so glad to hear from you, Cleo!Janine responds instantly.I’ve been so worried! I know you have your dad, but some situations call for a mom! Has there been any news?
Not yet, nothing.
Try not to worry. I know that’s probably impossible … let me know if there’s anything I can do. Anything at all.
My cheeks flush. All I need to do is start bawling while Annie is watching from across the room.
I will let you know. XO
The bells on the door tinkle as it swings open. It’s a dad-aged guy wearing a baseball hat, T-shirt, and deliberately ugly sneakers. He takes off his aviator shades.Randy.
As I raise my hand, he looks around, like he’s checking to see if I’m really waving at him. He looks me up and down as he makes his way over to the table, and I’m pretty sure I see a revolting flicker of excitement cross his face.
