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After dinner, Zack helped his mom to bed, while I started on the kitchen. He joined me a few minutes later, washing the pots and pans while I rinsed and dried them.
“What are Trevor’s chores? Or do you do everything?”
“I clean the kitchen.” Zack grinned. “Trevor handles all the laundry.”
“Oh, that explains why you were so anxious to dump it on me earlier.”
He laughed. I’d missed the easy camaraderie. Soon, Daniel would interfere and who knew what the outcome would be?
He’ll come for us tonight, I think, Zack said silently. The more prepared we are, the better our chances. Always stay close to me, okay?
I’d had even less time to relax than I thought.
“You guys are coming to the carnival, right?” Trevor asked.
Zack glanced at his cousin, shook his head and continued scrubbing. “Nah. Thanks, but I’m too tired. Slept crappy last night.”
Trevor wrapped an arm around Maya. “What do you think? You and I can go to a movie tonight instead.”
“Only if I get to choose which one,” she said, a gleam in her eye.
“Sure,” Trevor agreed.
Maya looked smug. She went for chick flicks. I giggled to myself, knowing he’d regret agreeing so readily. The happy couple went to Trevor’s room to check on movie times and we finished in the kitchen. Setting the sponge on the side of the sink, Zack wiped his hands on a dish towel and turned to me.
“What now?” I asked out loud.
Visit with my mom, then we meet up with Daniel.
If he isn’t out front to see us leave, how will he know where we went? I asked. Or did you already arrange it with him?
We didn’t talk about it at all. But how do you know he’s not around to watch where we go, just because we don’t see him? He headed down the hallway toward his mom.
I followed, a rush of trepidation making me sluggish.
Crap. That sucked. Maybe it won’t be tonight. He might wait a few days, I said hopefully.
Daniel’s used to getting his own way and wasn’t gifted with patience. The only leverage he has left is surprise. He’ll attack and he won’t wait a second longer than he has to.
Zack was probably right. Just great. I hated being so dependent on Zack and wished I’d taken a self-defense class. Or two.
He tapped on Favianne’s door and opened it gradually. When his mom signaled for us to come in, he urged me ahead of him. As soon as she saw me, she patted the side of the bed. I scooted up onto the mattress and she took my hand.
Trevor poked his head in. “Goodnight, Aunt Favianne.”
She smiled sleepily. “Goodnight.”
“Can I borrow you?” Trevor asked Zack.
Zack glanced uncertainly at his mother and she waved him away. “Don’t stop your life for me. If I fall asleep, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He hesitated a moment, then slipped out of the room.
“When do your parents get back?” she asked.
“A week or two, I think.”
She smiled. “Then Zack will sleep here again?”
“Yes.”
She scrutinized my face. “When I go, his family will take care of him. But it would be nice to know he has a girl to love him and watch over him.”
I couldn’t be there for Zack. He’d never allow it. My eyes watered, but I didn’t wipe them. “I’ll do my best.”
“I’m sure you will. Don’t let him push you away. He can be very independent and stubborn.” She leaned her head back against the pillow and closed her eyes. “He loves you, you know.”
I blinked, unsure how to respond. What could I say? That her mother’s intuition was off? That Zack and I would never be together and what she thought she saw was a lie? “We’ve been hanging out a week. Love might be too strong of a word.”
“He’s been slow to open up since he lost his father, but I see that he cares for you. Love can mean many things. Caring for someone, wanting to be near her for who she is. That’s the best kind of love.”
Should I deny it? Tell her that he and I were thrown together, because of Zack’s habit of helping damsels in distress?
Her deep steady breathing told me she’d fallen asleep and didn’t require a reply. As gently as I could, I eased off the bed and left. In the hallway, I heard Zack and Trevor. I followed their voices, poking my head through the doorway of Trevor’s bedroom.
“They’re okay cars, but for that price, you can find one with fewer miles on it.” Zack looked doubtfully at the laptop monitor. “Be patient. Don’t be in such a rush that you buy a problem. Besides, you have my Jeep when you need it.” He glanced at me. “Is she asleep?” When I nodded, his face fell. I’d make sure he spent time with her tomorrow.