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“Fine. That was pretty manly.”
“Thank you.” Not a single thing changes about his tone or expression, but somehow I can sense that he’s laughing inside.
“You’re an odd guy, Henry.”
“That’s facts,” he says, and this catches me so off guard that I gape. A tiny smile appears. “I do pay attention to the slang of the youth. All part of being a cultural anthropologist. I just know it’s very”—he pauses and looks as if he’s thinking—“cringey when I do.”
I shudder. “Promise never to do that again.”
Another nod. “No cap.”
“Stop it,” I beg. “Come see the rainbow room and don’t say any more words.” I can still sense the silent laughter as he follows me into the house.
“—and that’s the secret portal,” Evie announces as we join her in her room. Lisa and Bill are sitting on her bed and Henry stays in the doorway, glancing around at everything. His eyes are . . . well, a week ago, I would have said judgy, but I can read him slightly better now, and I suspect they’re just curious. He’s taking it in, cataloguing, matching it up with what he knows about the “average American girl child.”
“That wall is going to be for pictures.” Evie points to the wall without doors or windows.
“What kind of pictures?” Lisa asks. I know how her brain works. She’s digging for a gift idea.
“All the memories I’m going to have,” Evie explains. “Like with friends or when everyone comes home on Tuesday to see my play.”
“The class play she was rehearsing,” I explain to Henry. “She’s a pumpkin.”
“Thebestpumpkin,” Evie adds, while I mouth,The only pumpkin.“You’re coming too, right, Mr. Henry?”
“I don’t think—”
“Evie, honey.” I interrupt to save him from having to let her down. “Henry has to work, but you’re very sweet to have thought of him.”
“I don’t think I have to work,” Henry says. “I’d be happy to come. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good Thanksgiving play.”
All three adults stare at him, and he blushes. “If that’s okay.”
“It’s great,” Evie says.
We all look at each other and nod.
“It’s great,” I tell him.
“Thanks for letting me see the room, Evie. The pink is nice. I better go. I need to . . .”
“Do that thing,” I supply.
“Yes, that thing. Nice to have met you all.” He gives us a polite nod and leaves.
Lisa looks at me with her eyebrows raised, but I only give her a tiny headshake.
“What are you talking about?” Evie asks.
“Your room. What other plans do you have for it?” I ask.
She frowns. “No, I mean you and Nana Dub had a whole conversation but not in words.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You’re too smart for your own good, kiddo.”
“So you’re not going to tell me?” she presses.
“I’m not going to tell you.”
