“Crap on a cracker.” Since meeting Elle, I’ve tried to clean my mouth up. For the most part, my mom lets my brother and I get away with anything, including our language. However, Elle said she didn’t like it, so I’ve tried to watch what I say, at least when I’m around her.
I jump at the sound of Harrison’s knuckles hitting my door, even though I knew he was going to knock.
“Stop worrying, everything will be fine,” Elle says as she goes to open the door for her dad. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Hi, princess.” He kisses the top of her forehead, and that’s when his eyes meet mine. “Ben.”
/> “Hello, Mr. HPJ.” Elle’s parents have ridiculous long last names.
“Please, call me Harrison or Elle’s dad.”
I shake my head. I refuse, and honestly don’t know why. I’ve known Elle and her family for almost a year now and I still get nervous around them.
“Daddy, come sit. Ben’s mom will be home any minute.” Harrison follows Elle into the living room. He’s dressed the same as always with his khaki shorts, distressed shirt, and beanie. Not to mention, combat boots.
No sooner do they sit down does my mom walk through the door. “Benjamin, what on earth is wrong, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I swallow hard and try to smile. “I’m fine.” My head turns toward the couch where Harrison and Elle are sitting.
“Oh my is that…” My mom starts fussing with her hair and quickly pulls out her phone. It looks like she’s about to take a selfie, but I know she’s checking to make sure she looks presentable. “You could’ve warned me.”
“He literally just walked in the door.”
“Hello, Mr. Powell-James. So nice of you to come to our home.”
Harrison stands and extends his hand. I glance at Elle, who doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. “Happy to be here, Brenda. It seems the children have asked that I come to ask you an important question.”
“Oh?”
“Elle would like Ben to accompany us on our summer tour. It’ll only run for a month in the US, and we’ll travel by bus.”
“Oh.” My mom looks from Harrison to me and then back to Harrison. “I don’t know. I thought you were going to work this summer, Benjamin.”
“I am. I will.”
“Ben will be part of the road crew, so he’ll get paid while we’re gone.”
“And he’ll be responsible for his own stuff?”
“No, he won’t, Mrs. Miller. Despite what my daddy might say, my mom would never allow it,” Elle stands and chimes in. “Can he please go? We won’t get into any trouble. My parents will know where we are at all times. And anytime you want to come to one of the shows, you just tell me, and we’ll make it happen.”
I expect Harrison to chastise Elle for speaking over him, but he doesn’t. He smiles and puts his arm around her.
“Elle’s right. Ben will be treated like family.”
My mom looks at me. I can see the wheels turning in her brain. Every few seconds she sighs, making me wonder if I should ask Elle to leave so my mom and I can discuss the offer on the table.
“Have a good time, Ben.”
“YES!” Elle screams and wraps her arms around me. “We’re going to have the best summer. Thank you, Mrs. Miller.”
“You’re welcome, Elle.”
“Thanks, Mom, and Mr. HPJ.”
“You’re welcome, Ben. I’m glad you’re coming on tour with us.”
“Me, too.”