Yes, but let’s not admit that. “For a change of scenery.”
“It doesn’t bother me. Ask your aunt.”
I grimace, sending my attention to the couch where Aunt Maddy and David cuddle together. I click my pen and send my eyes back to homework. “I’d rather work on solving equations than approach the jet-setting lovebirds.”
Milo fidgets in his seat, ready to say something. Although he settles, obviously thinking better of it.
We work in silence for ten minutes. I’m shocked I’m actually working on this stuff. I usually get halfway through working out the solutions and give up with little protest. I’m broken out of my concentration when a car honks out front.
“That’ll be your mom, Milo,” Maddy calls, standing from the couch.
David stands with her. “I should go too.”
I look over their way in time to see their quick peck of the lips. Maddy walks David to the front door and then moves back our way.
Milo packs his stuff into his bag. “Thanks for dinner, Maddy.”
“Anytime,” she replies.
Milo slings his bag onto his back and stares at me for a beat. “Do you need any more help before I go?”
I pat my paper. “I’m good. Seriously, I think it’s good. Thanks.”
Milo smiles and moves toward the front door. “See you tomorrow.”
Aunt Maddy walks Milo out. I move from the table and peer out the window. Milo gets into the front passenger seat and Maddy talks with Mrs.Nelson through her open window. Soon, she waves them off, and the car pulls down the street.
Aunt Maddy comes back into the house, and I give her a dubious look. “Did she make an excuse about not coming into the house?”
Maddy locks the front door and turns to me, hugging her waist. “She said she didn’t want to make things crowded.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s one person, and we don’t live in a sardine can.”
“She does it so we won’t feel self-conscious,” Maddy replies. “She’s so welcoming and open at her house. I’m sure she doesn’t want us making the comparison.”
“She’s the one making it weird by not coming in. Just because it’s a small house doesn’t mean it’s an abnormal house.”
Aunt Maddy drops her arms and moves closer to me. “I know that, and you know that.” She squeezes my shoulder and turns me toward the couch. “But it’s not Mrs. Nelson we need to discuss. Take a seat and tell me how you really feel about Hawaii.”
“He made a point of excluding me,” I say, sitting cross-legged on the couch.
Aunt Maddy winces. “Well, taking a sixteen-year-old with us doesn’t exactly scream romance.”
“It’s a business conference,” I deadpan. “Does that really turn you on?”
Maddy bites her lip, and her eyes shine with excitement. “Jamie, it’s Hawaii.”
My shoulders slump. “You really want to go?”
“Who wouldn’t?” she replies. “But I have to think things through both work-wise and you-wise. Like David says, I’m not saying no or yes yet.”
I frown. “So David tells you how to think now?”
“Stop being so harsh on him. Can’t you be happy for me?”
“I just don’t see what you see in him.”
“It’s not up to you to understand why I’m in love with him.”
