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Lizzy giggles as she backs out of my arms and stands at my side.
“Tommy…this is my friend, Lizzy.” Disappointment is evident in my tone. “Lizzy…this is Tommy, one of my students from the high school.”
“Nice to meet you, Tommy.” She speaks to him like he’s ten instead of seventeen and waves, making him blush a little with her smile.
“You too, ma’am.” He barely meets her gaze before turning his attention back to me, his voice filled with excitement as he says, “I was just trying out the new ball you bought me.” Lizzy’s head snaps over in surprise at his statement, but I pretend not to notice. “And I’ve been working on my form, like you said.”
“That’s awesome, dude. How’s it going?”
“I just bowled my best game ever,” he tells me, beaming with pride.
“That’s what I’m talking about.” I hold up my hand, and he gives me a high-five.
He smirks. “Yeah, man. I’m going to be ready for you next time we play. Who knows, I might even beat you.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, son.” I chuckle. “You heading out now? It’s getting late.”
Lizzy scoffs, bumping her arm into mine.
“Yeah, I should get home.” His eyes fall to the floor, and my stomach twists.
He’s never felt at home with his current foster family, and I hate that my hands are tied. He doesn’t have the love or support he needs. I remember all too well what that feels like. But the family hasn’t legally done anything wrong. Luckily, he’ll be eighteen in a couple of months and able to get his own place. He’s been saving up his money from the job I helped him get here at the bowling alley.
“You get that history paper done? It’s due on Monday,” I remind him, raising an eyebrow. When I helped him get the job, he promised he wouldn’t let it interfere with his schoolwork.
He gives me a curt nod. “Yes, sir.”
“All right, you be safe heading home. I’ll see you next week.” Smiling, I pat him on the shoulder.
“I will. See you, Mr. B.” He turns his attention back to Lizzy, giving her a shy smile and small wave before turning toward the door.
“Sorry about that,” I tell her.
Lizzy smiles at me, the love in her expression causing a tightness in my chest. She leans in and places a swift, delicate kiss on my cheek before whispering in my ear, “I think you’re a pretty incredible person, Brenden Scott.”
