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“My daughter went into early labor. She needs me to go stay with her and help with Verity.” Verity was her granddaughter, and they lived over in Piedmont.
“I see.” My mind went to a million different places, and none of them good.
“We knew I would have to go away eventually.”
We did, but I thought I had time. Time to get something organized. The holidays were coming up, so school would be closed. I figured between Mom and me, we could make it work, but with no Mellie to fall back on and Mom’s behavior deteriorating, this was the last thing we needed.
“Okay.”
“Evan, I’m sorry. I have to—”
“It’s fine.” I didn’t mean to sound so curt, so ungrateful, but it was the worst news she could have delivered right now.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll leave you the number for Andrea. Deacon loves her, and she’s fully qualified.”
“Thanks,” I said, knowing it wouldn’t really help. We couldn’t afford a sitter, not on a regular basis.
Mellie came to me and laid her hand on my arm. “You’ve got this. I’m sure if you sit down with your mom, she’ll understand that she needs to step up.”
I nodded, swallowing down the thick lump in my throat. It was a lie, and we both knew it, but she was only trying to make me feel better. I didn’t need Mom to step up. I needed a freaking miracle.
“Thank you, for everything.” I managed to choke out the words. “I really don’t know what we would have done without you these last few years.”
“Evan, you know I love that kid as much as I love my own.” She smiled. It was so warm, so kind, and I remembered when Mom used to smile like that. The lump doubled in size. “The baby will be here any day now, and I’ll be back before you know it. Take Andrea’s number, just in case. Also, I made you some meals for the freezer.”
“Mellie.” My voice cracked.
How was it that this woman—our neighbor—was more of a mother to us than our own?
“I’m done, Mellie.” Eli bounded into the kitchen with his backpack strapped onto his back. “Can we have mac and cheese for dinner?” He looked at me, and I smiled.
“Sure thing, E. Sure thing.”
Mellie was right. I’d be okay because I had to be. For the little boy staring up at me like I held all the answers to the universe.
* * *
After making mac and cheese, Mom turned up with a bag of groceries, wearing a smile we rarely saw anymore. It made me wonder if Mellie had said something to her. Mom didn’t listen to many people in her life, and she certainly didn’t listen to me anymore, but on occasion, Mellie would reach her, and for a short time, we’d get our Mom back.
I’d take it.
Right now, I’d take everything I could get.
Confident she was in control for the moment, I left her to bathe Eli and then headed out to Rogues. Mellie promised to check in on them before bedtime. Scarlett and the others were already there, hanging out in their usual spot at the bumper car track. I didn’t approach them. Scarlett knew where to come.
I waited behind the Funhouse, disguised by the overgrowth. Restless energy hummed through me, and I contemplated lighting up a joint, but I hadn’t done that shit in a long time. Not since Eli came along. But I needed something to take off the edge. I was like a soda bottle ready to explode.
“You okay?” Scarlett appeared, eyeing me suspiciously.
“I’m good.”
“Okay. You got it?”
I pulled out the baggie of pot from my pocket. “Here. There should be enough for a month.”
She handed me a roll of bills and took the baggie from me. “Thanks. I know this causes you problems, but I wouldn’t ask if she didn’t need it.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
