“The man is not feeling well. I just offered him my keys so he could go lie down,” Remi said. “Is that okay?” he asked defensively.
She looked at Kaiser.
“I told you I had to go.”
“I didn’t know you weren’t feeling well. Can I get you anything?”
“Maybe a Sprite or something. I just need to lie down for a little while.”
“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Maia asked, walking over and placing her hand across his forehead. She pressed her lips into a flat line, her irritation clear. “You and your family always run so hot, I can never tell if you have a fever.”
“I just have a bad headache. I was trying to hide it, but Remi felt it right away. He offered me his house, but I think the sun in my eyes might kill me.”
“You go lie down anywhere you want. Pick a room. But I wouldn’t suggest Sebastian's. He just drops his laundry where he’s standing when he gets home from school and I’m not sure there’s not something alive in there,” Maia said.
“It’s true. I do, and it’s pretty bad,” Sebastian said.
“You should go upstairs to get away from the ruckus down here. Ours is available and so is Cristie’s,” Riley said.
“Thanks,” Kaiser said. He turned and walked past everybody but Remi. He caught his eye as he went past and even patted him on the shoulder as he went.
Riley met Remi’s eyes as the room started moving and everyone got back to filling their plates. “That was nice of you to offer,” he said suspiciously.
“I’ve always been more perceptible to scenting pain than most. He was hurting so bad I thought at first that he was injured. Then I realized he wasn’t and asked if we could have a minute, so I could get him away from everybody and ask if hewas okay. I didn’t want to embarrass him if he was trying to keep it to himself.”
“And you offered him your house,” Riley said.
“There’s nobody there, it’s close so he wouldn’t have to go far.”
Riley smiled and nodded. “Alright y’all. Let’s get this line moving. I’m hungry and tired of standing here.”
Cristie waited until everybody had served themselves, then made a plate and walked out of the kitchen with it with plans to take it to Kaiser.
Richie looked at Riley, then they both watched Remi.
Remi sat beside Maia, answering all her questions about home and everybody he’d left behind to join them.
“Hey,” Riley finally said sharply.
Remi looked up at Riley.
“You know she went to take Kaiser some food.”
“Yeah,” Remi said, nodding.
“Don’t that bother you?” Riley asked, literally poking the Dragon.
“No. He’s her friend. He’s struggling. I wouldn’t expect any less,” Remi said.
“I thought he was sick,” Richie said.
“Same thing, isn’t it?” Remi asked. “He’s struggling. She’s doing the right thing.”
“What is he struggling over?” Riley asked.
“I don’t know. I just know it’s not her,” Remi said.
The front door opened and a voice called out. “We’re here!”
