I nodded, and even though I wanted nothing more than to take his hand in mine, I didn’t. There would be a time in the not so distant future where I’d do just that, but for now, his words and the taste of him on my lips was enough.
Mike was pacing angrily on the gravel in front of the trailer. His eyes narrowed as we walked out. “Are you two finished? Because Helena said if I interrupted you, she would murder me. You better not have been fucking in there.”
I rolled my eyes. “Because no one has ever done that before.”
“Fuck off,” he muttered. “And you tell Helena she owes me. Again.”
“Why don’t you tell her that? I’m sure she’d love to hear it from you.”
He paled. “Or maybe we can just forget about all of it.” He shoved us out of the way as he climbed back into the trailer, grumbling under his breath. We started back toward the bar when we heard him say, “What the hell is this? Is that… is that an egg? Why is it purple? Oh my god, why is it wet? It’s all over my hands! What the fuck is this! Corey! Corey!”
“Oh shit,” I breathed. “Jeremy, we need to run.”
And we did as Mike screamed his rage behind us.
Chapter 16: Why We Fight
ON A hot summer day toward the end of August, my phone buzzed on the desk in my office. I looked over from my laptop to see a text message.
I’m here.
I smiled down at my phone. “Looks like we’re a go.”
Marina laughed as she looked over from her desk. “He actually came? From the way you were talking, it didn’t sound like he’d show.”
I shrugged as I stood from my desk. “He’s nervous.”
“You tell him he doesn’t need to be. We’re so happy to have him. I know the kids are too, and I promise they’ll be on their best behavior.”
I stood from my chair, stretching my arms over my head. “Only because you threatened them.”
She snorted. “When dealing with teenagers, sometimes threats are the only things that work. You should know that by now.”
She stopped me before I reached the door. I turned and grunted in surprise when she hugged me tightly. I patted her back amiably. “What’s this for?”
She squeezed me once before letting go. I was shocked to see her eyes were wet. “Just… for being you. I warned you I was going to be getting sentimental on your last day. I don’t know what I’m going to do when I look over and you’re not there.”
“I’m going to come back in as much as I can,” I told her. “Maybe not as much as I’d like, but I promise I’ll still be here. I can’t leave this place behind.”
She wiped her eyes as she nodded. “I know. And once you get closer to graduation, we’ll talk, huh?”
“Of course. I’ve got a lot to think about. Some decisions need to be made before too long.”
“Good. I’ll let Jeremy and the others know we’re ready. Why don’t you make sure your friend isn’t getting mauled?”
That made me move.
Phoenix House was as noisy as it’d ever been. The kids and the case managers were finishing setting up chairs in the main room. There was a banner overhead painted with a rainbow. On it were the words WELCOME CHARLIE! He was going to get a kick out of it.
I waved at Diego and Kai. Diego waved back. Kai nodded at me. I was touched. That was a lot, coming from them. “We’re ready!” I called over my shoulder as I pushed open the door to the center. “Everyone take a seat!”
“You don’t have to push me,” Charlie was grumbling on the sidewalk. “I’ll go in when I’m good and ready.”
“I don’t know why you’re so nervous,” Robert said, eyes twinkling. “They’re going to love you almost as much as I do.”
“I’m not nervous,” Charlie snapped. “I’m taking my time. There’s a difference.”
“Charlie!” I said cheerfully. “Welcome to Phoenix House. We’re all ready for you.”