Page 90 of Room to Breathe

“Indy,” she said. “It’s been a long time.” Her pointed gaze traveled over the books I held, then down to my shoes, a ratty pair of Vans, and back up to my hair. I couldn’t see the black streak I’d tucked behind my ear but I knew she could.

“Hi, Mrs. Eubanks. Good to see you. Is Beau here?”

“You know, I’m not sure. I saw him earlier today, but I haven’t seen him this evening.”

His car was in the driveway, but he could’ve been in someone else’s car, with someone else.

I stood silently, wondering if she was going to go check. I should’ve texted him, but I wanted it to be a surprise. Or maybe I didn’t want him to have the opportunity to tell me no.

“He told me about the bathroom mishap,” she said, not moving from the door.

“Yes, bad luck,” I said.

“Bad luck seems to be your family’s companion this year.”

I swallowed. She had actually said that out loud. She was normally more subtle with her judgments. “Yeah, I guess.” I wasn’t sure how much bad luck had to do with anything other than the bathroom. And maybe the bathroom wasn’t bad luck at all. Maybe it was the luckiest thing that had happened to me in a while.

“Are those Beau’s books?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said. “I’m here to return them.”

“You’ve had them for all these months?”

“No, not me,” I said, but I couldn’t exactly explain how Harper had them and I went and collected them from her. That made me sound…desperate? Wasn’t that what I was?

“I can make sure he gets them,” she said, taking a step forward, her hands extended.

I immediately stepped back. “No,” I said. “I mean, I’d like to give them to him myself.”

She donned a sympathetic expression. “I’m sorry, Indy, he doesn’t want to see you.”

That was probably true. My eyes shot up even though I couldn’t see his bedroom window while standing here beneath the porch’s overhang. I wondered if he knew I was here. If he was standing behind the door right now. Had he told his mom to nicely turn me away? The books were starting to get heavy in my arms.

Six months ago, I would’ve handed her the books, turned, and slunk away. But there were a few things the past few months had taught me. One of those was that I had a voice, and even though many times it had gotten me into trouble, I could use it.

“Beau!” I called loudly. “Are you here?”

Her eyes went wide.

“Beau! I have your books! Can we talk?”

A few moments later, he appeared on the stairs. I could see him over his mom’s right shoulder. It was like she had eyes in the back of her head, because she held an open palm behind her without even turning around, directing him to stop. And he did. She must’ve known he would because she didn’t check, just gave me a smug, closed-mouth smile.

“Right,” I said. “I guess that’s my answer.” I placed the books on the floor at her feet and backed up a few steps. “I was grounded,” I said to Beau. “Didn’t have my phone, couldn’t leave the house. That’s why I didn’t respond.”

He didn’t move.

“Goodbye, Indy,” Mrs. Eubanks said.

And that was it. I knew how much Beau respected his mom. Feared his mom. He wouldn’t go against her. Wouldn’t want to make her angry.

“Bye,” I said.

Chapter 38

Now

“No.” Beau’s voice wasn’t loud,but it was firm.