Page 83 of Falling Together

I go over to help him down and he leads Queenie back to her stall. I take off her saddle as he takes care of the bridle and goes to brush her.

He’s focusing on the task at hand. There’s an edge to his stance. Before I can ask him, he tells me what is on his mind.

“My mom canceled my visit,” Luke states while brushing out Queenie.

“She did?”

That’s news to me. Grant hasn’t mentioned anything about the trip being canceled.

“Something about a trip coming up with her new husband being more important right now. Not like I miss my friends or anything or home. But whatever.”

I don’t miss the bitterness in his tone.

“When were you supposed to go?” I ask.

“Fall break.”

“I’m sorry, Luke.”

“Whatever.”

I pat him on the shoulder. “It’s okay to be upset. You were looking forward to the visit.”

“I asked if I could come earlier, and she said no.”

My heart aches for him. I know what it’s like to not have your parents want you. Even though Luke has a dad who shows up for him, it doesn’t make it hurt any less when one snubs you.

“We’ll make sure you can go another time.”

“We?” Luke asks, looking at me.

“Your dad and I. We’ll find a time, and if we have to take you ourselves, we will.”

“Thanks, Georgia.” He goes back to brushing Queenie. “I did meet a few people.”

My ears perk up. “Oh, yeah?”

“One kid seems pretty cool. We rode the bus together this morning. We like the same video games.”

“That’s great. Maybe you could have him over one night after school.”

“Ugh,” he groans. “Don’t make it weird.”

“What? I’m not.”

He laughs. “You’re just like Dad.”

“I’m way cooler than your dad.”

“Are you?”

“Alright.” I roll my eyes at him. “Let’s finish up here and then I’ll take you home.”

Luke’s gaze flits to mine. “You think we could stop and get pancakes for dinner?”

“We can definitely do that.”

“That gets you some more cool points.”