Page 96 of Someone to Have
“Agreed,” Jen answers as Rhett’s cheeks bloom with twin spots of color. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for him.” She gestures to the chair across from her. “I’d love to hear more about it.”
I can tell Rhett needs his own rendition of a calming song. His shoulders are hiked up to his ears, and he looks like he wants to hurl. But he takes the seat to the right of his mom while I slide into the one next to Taylor.
As nervous as Taylor gets speaking in front of an audience, I canalready see that talking to my sister isn’t a problem. She takes a stack of papers from the tote bag I hadn’t even noticed she was carrying and explains what she thinks might be happening with Rhett.
“I’m not a doctor,” she says, “and although my degree is in education, I’m not an expert in learning interventions. But our tactics have helped quite a bit, and I think we can do even better with some additional accommodations.”
“I’ve got one A and four B’s,” Rhett confirms.
“That’s great, kiddo.” Jen looks pleased, but her brows knit together as she reviews the papers Taylor has slid before her. “Why do we need to get the school involved if he’s doing well with you? I’m concerned about him being labeled.”
Rhett shifts uncomfortably, and I give him a gentle nudge with my foot.Hold it together, bruh,I want to tell him.Taylor’s got this.
And she does. She patiently talks Jen through the process, explaining what she thinks would help and answering questions with patience and the right amount of detail. She’s steady, confident, and precisely what Rhett—and maybe even Jen—needs.
Eventually, my sister switches her attention to her son.
“I’m proud of you,” she says, and I can tell she’s trying not to cry. “For making the most of this shitty situation. I’m proud of you for trying and accepting help. Thank you for inspiring me, kiddo.”
He nods and swipes the ratty edge of his oversized hoodie sleeve across his cheeks.
“I’m proud of you, too, Mom. For getting help and supporting me and all that crap.”
Her grin is bright, albeit a little watery at the edges. “All that crap,” she repeats then glances at me.
“Will you schedule a meeting with the school as soon as possible? I want to get this process started.”
“It can wait until you’re out,” I tell her. “Or we can get permission for you to join on a conference call.”
She shakes her head and glances at Taylor before her gaze settles on Rhett. “I don’t want the stigma of my mistakes affecting you.”
“Mom, I’m not embarrassed. You’re getting help, and you’re going to be good this time. I know it.”
That’s a heavy load for a kid to carry, but Jen nods. “I know it too, buddy. But your uncle?—”
“We’ll wait,” Rhett insists.
She nods, then says, “Not long. As soon as I’m out, and we find a place to live in Skylark…”
Rhett and I blink like owls at her words.
“Do you mean we can stay?” he asks.
“If it feels like home to you, buddy, then it’s where I want us to be. Together.”
Taylor nudges my leg the same way I did to Rhett minutes earlier.
“Hey, Rhett.” I grab a twenty out of my wallet. I should have thought to bring food again, but…well, blame it on the damn nerves. “Will you take Taylor on a tour of the place and grab whatever snacks look good in the cafeteria? I want to talk to your mom for a minute.”
His gaze sharpens on me.
“Nothing’s wrong.” I hold up my hands, palms out. “Just a brother-sister convo.”
Jen squeezes Taylor’s hand as she gets up from the table. “Thank you.”
“Rhett’s done all the heavy lifting, but you’re welcome. I’m happy to be involved.” Taylor scoots around the table and gives Jen a quick hug before following Rhett out of the room.
“She’s good for him,” my sister says once we’re alone at the table. She inclines her head as she studies me. “She’s good for both of you.”
