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“Is that what you think?” I ask.
My mom shakes her head. “No. We went to his rallies. He comes across as genuine to us.”
“He is genuine. He always has been.”
“But why here?” Dad asks. “This town wasn’t kind to him or his folks.”
“He sees the good beyond the bad. Plus, his changes are attracting more people from the city, and that’s a good thing.”
Dad nods. “So you’re staying with him over at that fancy place he has?”
“Yeah. I went to see him this morning and he offered. He has a ton of space, obviously.”
“How is he with you? Like he was?” Mom asks.
“Mostly. He’s still a little guarded, but I’m sure he’ll get more comfortable around me.”
“That’s good,” she says, giving my dad side-eye again.
Dad clears his throat. “Have you heard about the masquerade balls yet?”
“Just in passing from a gal at Smiley’s.”
“He’s had two so far,” Dad explains. “Real lavish affairs.”
“We were on the first invite list,” Mom explains. “So many people in town were jealous of us. He had it in an abandoned hotel the first time. The second time was at his building on the second floor.”
“What were they like?” I ask.
“Fancy,” she answers. “He had masks at the door and people checking us in. Tables of food and a bartender. Waiters walking around handing out finger food. He made it look like a palace in France or something.”
“Wow.” I nibble on the cookie. “What’s the purpose?”
“You’d have to ask Michel that,” Dad answers. “He says it’s a way to give back to the community, but I can’t for the life of me understand why he’d want to. His parents were there, and said the same thing when we asked. A lot of folks just think he’s showing off his wealth. Others don’t seem to care what his motives are.”
“I heard everyone wants on the list.”
Mom nods. “Oh yes. He invites a few people from town and other people from around the area. The next one is coming up. I imagine you’ll get an invite now that you’re back.”
“Maybe.”
“All the single women in town chase after him like schoolgirls,” Dad says, his tone disdainful. “Embarrassing themselves, if you ask me. Rumor is Michel only dates men anyway.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands up. This would be a good time to tell them about me, but I can’t make the words come out.
“Does that bother you?” I ask.
“I don’t give a rat’s ass who Michel or anyone else sleeps with. Well, except the missus.”
My mom laughs softly. “Obviously, I’m not one of the women chasing Michel around.”
“That would be weird.”
“Does it bother you?” He turns the question on me.
“Of course not. Michel is my friend, and I accept him for exactly who he is. I always have.”
Mom rubs my arm. “You were a good friend to him. Shame you drifted apart.”
