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“I’m a friend from college.”
He studied my maroon-and-gold Sentinels jacket. “You’re Henry with the fancy name.”
I held in a gasp. “How do you know me?”
He shrugged. “I’m Lark’s best friend, Pete. He’s told me about his college friends.”
“Nice to meet you,” I replied in a steady voice, but now I wondered how much he really knew about me. But why did it matter? He wasn’t a student at the university. “I’ve heard about you too.”
“Good to hear.” He smiled, then glanced down the row of trailers. “Didn’t he tell you his address or how to find him?”
“No, I guess it’s a surprise visit.” I scratched the back of my neck, thinking this was probably not a very good idea after all.
“O…kay. Well, he’ll definitely be surprised, but that’s between the two of you.”
He pointed to the trailer I’d had my suspicions about. “That’s where he lives.”
“I knew it. The bird feeders.”
“Yeah, his mom is a big fan, which you apparently already know.”
“Yep, well, um, thanks.”
As I drew nearer the trailer, I noticed other things that made a dwelling feel like a home: potted plants on the steps—fall mums, I thought—and the wicker lawn furniture with bright-green cushions. It was nice. I tried not to look at it like through my parents’ eyes. I’d been so conditioned to presume expensive furnishings, but this felt comfortable and lived in, and that immediately settled my nerves.
But only momentarily. My stomach tightened as I climbed the three steps to the door. I took a deep breath before lightly knocking.
When Lark answered, his eyes became cartoonishly wide. “Henners? What are you doing here?”
I had no excuse, so I tried for humor. “Well, you did ask me to babysit Star, and since you didn’t mention a date, I thought I’d see if you two were around.”
“I…uh…” he spluttered.
“I even brought snacks,” I said, producing the bag of candy I’d purchased. “Please don’t be mad…or think I’m a stalker.”
“Why would I think you’re a stalker?” He narrowed his eyes. “How do you even know where I live?”
“The other day when Spence and I were getting fast food, we happened to be behind your bus. I saw where you got dropped off.” I motioned over my shoulder. “And then I ran into Pete, and he guessed who I was, so…here I am.”
“Believe me, I never expected in a million years that you two would meet.”
“Why not? Are you saying you’d never invite me to hang out with you and your friends?”
“Do you notice where I live?” His jaw clenched. “I would be the butt of so many jokes at Roosevelt…unless I already am?”
I shrugged. “Who cares? People are stupid.”
He arched a brow. “Says the guy who cares about several things he keeps hidden.”
“You got me there.” I handed him the bag of treats. “So, uh, here you go. This was just me being dumb and impulsive. I’ll head back to the dorm now.”
“Wait,” he said as I got to the third step. “It’s just that I’m babysitting Star, so how fun could that be?”
All of a sudden Star was at the door. “Hey, I know you!”
I grinned because she was so cute. “I know you too!”
“Wanna color with me?”
