Page 37 of Engulfing Emma

He looks at the ground and nods sadly.

Brandi opens a closet under the stairs and pulls out suitcases. She hands one to Jay when he comes through the door. “Pack some clothes for you and Anthony. I’ll be up in a second.”

Brandi follows him with her eyes as he goes up the stairs, banging the suitcase against each tread. When he reaches the top, she shakes her head. “I don’t know what to do with him. He’s always been somewhat difficult, but it got so much worse after Andre died.”

“Losing a parent can be hard on a kid.”

Brandi studies me. “You say that like you know from experience.”

“I lost my mom when I was eleven.”

“Oh, dear. I’m sorry.”

I look at the ceiling. “How old is he?”

“He just turned fifteen.”

“Tough age. I’d like to help if I can. With Jay.”

“How do you mean?”

“I’m not sure yet. Maybe he needs to talk to another guy who’s been through something similar.”

“I’d be grateful for whatever you could do, Brett.”

“Do you mind if I go upstairs and check on him?”

“Please.”

“Don’t go into the kitchen or family room. I don’t know how stable they are.”

“I won’t.”

Upstairs, I find Jay sitting on the floor holding a model car.

“You like cars?” I ask.

He drops it like he’s embarrassed. “I’m not two,” he says defiantly.

“You don’t have to be two to like cars. I’ve always liked them.” There are more models in the room. “You have a lot of these. What’s your favorite?”

He shrugs.

“That’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”

“They’re stupid. I don’t build them anymore.” He gets up and goes to the closet.

It dawns on me that he must have built the models with his father. I peruse his collection. “If they’re so stupid, you won’t mind if I take one then.” I pick up a 1968 Ford Mustang. “This one is a beauty.”

He walks over and grabs it out of my hands and throws it in his suitcase.

“You like Mustangs, huh? I have one, you know.”

“You drive a 1968 Mustang?” he asks curiously.

“I don’tdriveone. It’s in my backyard under a tarp. I’m restoring it. It doesn’t even run though, so I’ve got a long way to go.” I look at him thoughtfully, thinking about how the car has been sitting in my yard for a long time without any attention. “Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t you help me?”

“Why would you want me to do that?”

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