Page 20 of Tapped By My Roommate
“Keith gone already?” I asked, even though it seemed too early for that.
“He’s still sleeping,” Mom said. “He had a rough night.”
Maybe Keith and I finally had something in common.
I soaked in my family’s warmth, realizing that I really did miss spending time with them. My schedule was packed, as Mom pointed out. Full-time student plus full-time bartender didn’t leave much room for family reunions.
It wasn’t long before Cary and Audrey had to get ready for school and Keith finally shuffled in, grumbling about the noise.
“What are you doing here?” he asked as soon as he lay eyes on me.
That was my cue to leave. I stood. “Good question. I should be going.”
Mom sighed as she looked between us. Keith grunted in response. “Don’t drive like an idiot.”
That was Keith’s version of telling me to be careful, I guess.
Mom walked me out to the porch. “I wish you’d stop avoiding Keith. He’s not some villain.”
I tucked my hands into my pockets. “He’s not some hero either.”
She sent me an irritated look. “Are you the hero, then?”
I sputtered. “No, I just…”
“Rhett, you don’t have to take care of us. We’re fine. Your brother and sister won’t suffer without you coming to their rescue.”
“What if Mr. Jessup had said no to the advance?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. Missing baseball isn’t the end of the world.”
“It would be to him.”
She pursed her lips, a sure sign she was annoyed.
“Keith lives here, he’s a member of the family, right? I don’t understand why he doesn’t help support you, that’s all.”
“Rhett Butler Hayes.Why are you always so sure you know the full story? He has his reasons, and they’rehisreasons to tell or not tell.”
I rolled my eyes at being full named. “Okay. Well, this is an old song and dance. I should go.”
“Don’t you remember how you paid for things in high school?” Mom challenged. “It was just as tight then, maybe tighter. You worked, and you saved your own money for the things you wanted. Keith didn’t tell Cary to get a job a few days ago. He suggested he get one last summer. Cary chose to spend his time at the pool instead. So, it’s not Keith’s fault that Cary couldn’t pay for baseball.”
Okay, that was…fair. But Cary was fifteen. It wasn’t exactly surprising that he’d choose fun with his friends over a job. Or that he’d fail to plan for an expense not coming until spring.
“I just want Cary and Audrey to have what they need,” I said.
“You’re not their father, and it’s not your job to provide them with everything they want.”
“I know.” I smiled tightly. “But sometimes I can’t help myself.”
Mom smiled too. “Like I said, you’re a good brother. Just don’t stretch yourself too thin, honey. You’ve got your own life to live.”
I nodded. “Thanks, Mom. I should get going. I’ve got class soon.”
She clasped my arm. “Tell me what’s bothering you first. Why did you really show up here?”
“I just missed you. Like I said.”
