Eric slowly ran his hand up and down the dog’s back. “I didn’t know adults still got bullied like that. I figured I’d just have to stick it out a few more years and then it would finally end when I got bigger.”
Damn, Amber.
“There are always going to be bullies in the world, Eric. But it’s easier to deal with them when you have people in your corner. Anyone who tries to bully you here will have to answer to me.” She laid her arm around Eric’s bony shoulders and gave him a hug. “What Amber did to me was mean, but I needed to make things right with the people I hurt anyway, and I will. Then Amber can’t hurt me anymore. What those boys did to you was ten times worse and so very wrong. I’m sorry for it.”
“What Amber did to you was wrong too. Especially because she’s your sister. I was mean to my brother and sister sometimes. Now I wish I could tell them I’m sorry.”
What a sweet kid.
“They know, Eric. My brothers still tease me, and as much as it can annoy me, I know they love me.” She handed him some more chocolate. “I can only imagine how rough it is not having your parents and brother and sister anymore. But I just wanted you to know we’re here for you.”
Blinking back tears, he nodded. “Josh said he’d pay me to do work around here. But I’d do it for free if I could stay longer. I really love it here.”
Now Meg struggled with tears. No kid should have to negotiate for a safe place to live. She hugged him a little tighter. “I’m pretty sure my brother would arrest me for violating child labor laws if we did that. Take the money and save it for college if you want, but you’re welcome here, for free, as long as the paperwork gets settled with your grandmother and we can keep you. Okay?”
His answer was a silent head bob against her shoulder.
Meg held on for a few more minutes, then reluctantly released him. “So, I think we’re going to have to keep this hound too. What should we name her?”
The dog’s tail wagged, as if she knew they were talking about her.
“Really?” Eric beamed a gigantic smile. “We can keep her?”
“Yeah.” Teasing, Meg said, “I think she looks like an Edna.”
“Edna?” Eric rolled his eyes. “That’s totally lame. I call her Oreo, ’cuz she’s black and white. And because that’s my favorite cookie.”
Eric sometimes seemed thirty instead of ten years old, but that he’d name a dog after his favorite cookie proved he was still a kid. She’d have to be sure Oreos went on the shopping list. “Oreo, mother to Captain Jack Sparrow. Doesn’t get better than that.” Eric’s big smile made her want to keep it there. “Ever been on a Jet Ski?”
“Nope.”
“Well then, let’s go!”
“Right now?”
“Sure. We’ve got a few hours before church starts. Let me grab some life jackets.”
She turned to get the jackets, but stopped when he laid a hand on her arm. “Thanks for letting me stay with you guys, Meg.”
The sincere gratitude in his eyes melted her heart. “You’re welcome. We love having you here, Eric. Be right back.”
Spending the morning watching Eric’s grin as he drove a Jet Ski for the first time had lifted Meg’s spirits. But happiness quickly turned to dread as they pulled up to the church in Josh’s truck. The large group of people gathered out front all turned to stare as Josh parked. Toby waved and parted from the group, making his way toward them. At least she had one ally.
While Josh hopped out to deal with Haley’s car seat, Toby opened Meg’s door. She ignored Josh’s quiet grunt and smiled at Toby. “Thanks.”
“No. Thank you.” He beamed one of his classic “surfer dude” smiles. “We were all taking bets on if you’d show up this morning. The few of us who said you would just made a killing.”
The few who said she would? Great. “Glad I could be of assistance.” She patted his shoulder. “Thanks for betting on me.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll never guess who I’ll have to split the pot with. Your dad, and all Three Amigos. Bye.” Toby strolled away.
Even Dad had bet on her showing up?
Maybe things would go better than expected today.
She turned to see what Josh thought of her dad betting on her and caught him checking his phone again. Then his head popped up and he leaned around his truck, as if searching for someone.
He had that look on his face again.
She leaned around the truck too and saw a few tourists milling around the square, but then she spotted Zeke walking toward them. That must be who Josh was looking for.