Page 38 of Engulfing Emma

“Because you like Mustangs. And I could use the company.”

He stares at the model car sitting on top of his clothes. He looks conflicted. “I’m going to be a mechanic. My uncle owns a shop in Harlem. So I know a lot about cars.”

“Looks like I’m in luck. What do you say, maybe once a week on one of my days off? I’ll even spring for pizza.”

He’s doing his best to look uninterested, but I can clearly see he is.

“Pepperoni?” he asks.

“Whatever you’d like. We’ll have to clear it with your mom.”

“She won’t care. She doesn’t care what I do.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

He snorts. “You don’t know her.”

“No, I don’t. But I’m going to ask her permission anyway.”

“Suit yourself.”

An hour later, after the three of us roll their suitcases over to Brandi’s sister’s house, I give Jay and his mother my address and phone number. “How about we get started tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” Jay says, like he doesn’t believe I’m serious about him helping me.

“Why not? Unless you have something better to do.”

He’s going to bail on the whole thing. I can see it in his eyes.

“Tomorrow will be perfect,” Brandi says. “What time do you want him there?”

“How about I come get you at eleven?” I ask him.

He clenches his jaw. “I’m fifteen. I can get there by myself.”

“Of course you can. See you then.”

Brandi follows me. “I appreciate what you’re doing, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t show up. Jaylen lies about everything lately.”

“I’ve got his number. I’ll see that he gets there.”

She smiles. “Even if it doesn’t work out, thank you for trying. It’s been so hard.”

I briefly touch her arm. “It’ll take time, but things will get better.”

“I hope you’re right,” she says as I walk away.

I hope I’m right, too.

Chapter Fourteen

Emma

Evelyn is lying on her bed with her earbuds in. I lie down next to her and pull her into a hug for the umpteenth time since she returned a few days ago.

“What’s that for?” she asks.

“It’s just nice to have you home.”

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