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I lean against the door.
“Your sister is going to be fine,” I say.
He doesn’t reply. Dang.
Okay. Regroup, James,I think.
“Look, man, can you, like, level with me?” I sit down, hissing a bit as the cold from the concrete steps bleeds into my jeans. “I’m not sure what to do here.”
“Go home?”
“Dude, you know I can’t,” I sigh. “I promised your mom I’d look after you, and even if you think it’s stupid, she’s scared at the hospital, and this is all I can do to help.”
Benji doesn’t say anything. I listen, but I can’t quite hear anything,
I’m wracking my brain for something to say when Benji breaks the silence.
“I’m not some kid,” he says.
I smirk. Had I been like this at fourteen? Probably, I allow.
“No, but you’re your parents’ kid, and that means they’re always going to be alittlebit overprotective. It’s just facts of life, dude.”
“You say ‘dude’ a lot for a girl.”
I roll my eyes. “Girls say ‘dude’, too. Would you prefer I call you ‘bud’?”
He lets out a laugh before seemingly remembering that he isn’t supposed to like me.
“Everyone thinks I’m a little kid, but I’m not.” He insists. His voice is soft and muffled. I’m almost glad that Benji can’t see me, because, honestly, I don’t think it would help me. I definitely havewhat a cute kidface.
“I’m not here because you’re little,” I say, and at least that’s true. “I’m here because your mom asked.”
“Same difference!”
“I disagree.”
“What if I let you have ice cream?” I ask.
“Dad doesn’t keep ice cream here.”
I’m so stunned that I’m momentarily not upset about how cold I am. “Wait, for real?”
“Yeah, for real.”
“That’s insane. I won’t let that stand.” I pull out my phone and text David.Bring ice cream to your house or we’re never sleeping together again.“Today will be your last ice cream-less day, kid, I promise you that.”
“Hmm.” There’s a pause. “I still don’t want to let you in.”
“Come on!” I rap my fist on the door again. “It’s cold out here! Can’t we be enemies inside?”
The lock turns audibly. I let out a breath of relief and smile as he pulls the door open.
He’s frowning, but he doesn’t look too upset or angry.
“So, ice cream’s on the way, I’m going to dethaw. What’s next?” I walk inside quickly before Benji gets any big ideas.
“Do whatever you want. I’m playing video games.”
