Page 63 of Home of the Brave

She kept her eyes down. “I used to always spend the Fourth with my grandpa. It was special, and now––” she cleared her throat. “And now he’s gone.”

I glared at her. “You FaceTimed him two days ago.” During our lunch break. “He told you about fishing and the party his cul-de-sac was throwing.”

She covered her mouth, but I caught her smile. “Right, he’s gone from me, in Michigan, and I just really miss him.”

“You’re out of control.” I shook my head and started to turn.

“Victoria, please. This is my favorite holiday, and I’m having so much fun with you. Please don’t abandon me.”

I turned back. “This is your favorite holiday?”

“Yeah,” she lifted a shoulder.

“Not Christmas or Thanksgiving? Halloween?”

“No, it's today.” She was lying again, but I had no way to prove it.

“Well, then, so glad I got to spend the day with you.”

Her eyes went wide. “But there’s still daylight left.”

“Cambrie––”

“I’ll get you another ice cream!”

I closed my eyes, my stomach protesting that idea. “We’ve already had ice cream, soft serve, gelato, and shaved ice.”

I got all kid sizes, and it was too much. I had no idea how she was considering the idea of more.

“I’ll win you a stuffed eagle,” she pointed to the ring toss game a few yards away.

“No thanks.” A shower rinsing away an afternoon of sweat was the only cold treat I wanted.

“Hi, ladies.” A male voice called, and I ignored it because we were surrounded by people, but Cambrie’s gaze lifted past my shoulder.

“Oh my gosh,” she squealed. “It’s really you! Can I have your autograph?”

I stared at her in horror and glanced around us, but fortunately, no one was paying us any attention.

“Of course.”

I turned and nearly jumped when I recognized Josh. “Do you have a pen?”

She lifted her hands, one still holding the flag and the other empty. “Dang.”

He laughed. “Good, because I’m pretty sure I have a cramp that’s going to last a few days.”

“Long day?” she asked.

He let out a long sigh. “Yeah, but it’s been a good time.”

I looked past him. “Did you sneak away? Is someone going to come running through the crowd searching for you?”

“I hope not,” he smiled at me. “We got released a little while ago. I went back to my room to shower and change.”

I shot a look at Cambrie. “Must be nice.”

She ignored me.