Page 55 of Bending Under Pressure

“Mom and Dad knew I was there. Her parents came home shortly after we got there.” Not that it’s any of your business I think.

“What kind of books does she like to read? Your girlfriend is Haley, right? The girl we met at your football game?”

“Yeah, that’s her. I think that as long as it has romance in it, she will read it. That’s all I know.” We’re too busy with other things like racing and kissing and lying in a hammock for me to know exactly what she likes to read. I guess I should find out since it could give me something more to talk about with Keira.

“That’s so cool. I’m the same way.”

I nod and find myself holding two dresses she wants to try on. Now, come on. When did I become that guy? Sure, Mom would love that I’m doing this, but come on! It’s bad enough I have to come shopping with them, but now I have to hold their things? Withholding a sigh, I ask another question instead. “Do you play sports?”

Natalie throws her head back in a laugh. “You’re the only one with athletic skills in the family, Keelan. Keira couldn’t catch a ball if you tossed it to her and she’s more likely to trip over her feet when she runs.”

Keira frowns. “I’m not that bad, Mom.” She glances at me. “I played volleyball last year, but quit halfway through because the girls weren’t nice.”

“Sorry.” She shrugs and hands me another dress. I rack my brain for some of the questions she asked me so I can ask her. I almost wish I could get her away from Natalie and ask her what she really thinks about her, but considering she now lives with her, I guess she likes her okay. “What else do you like to do?”

“Watch TV, play card games, and cook. Aunt Frances taught me how and I love it.”

“Do you like cooking anything in particular?”

“Desserts.”

“So does my mom. She could probably give you some recipes to try tonight.”

Keira’s face lights up. “Oh! I’d love that. I’ve been searching online for new stuff to try, but nothing has appealed to me so far.” From the corner of my eye, Natalie frowns. “Okay, I think this is plenty. Let’s go try them on.”

Plenty is ten dresses. Ten! When Mom drags us clothes shopping, we’re in and out in an hour tops. Cameron and I probably try on ten items total. Keira disappears into a stall while Natalie and I sit outside of it on an uncomfortable wooden bench.

“Thank you for being so nice to her,” Natalie says quietly so Keira won’t hear. “She’s always known about you and has always wanted to get to know her big brother. You’re making her dreams come true.”

“She’s cool,” I tell her, because I have no idea what I’m supposed to say. Is it odd that I feel

closer to Keira than Natalie? Or that if I could ease her out of this equation, I would? Keira steps out in a yellow dress that is just above mid-thigh. How did these things end up in the junior section?

“No,” Natalie and I say simultaneously.

Keira pouts. “But it’s so cute!”

“You won’t be allowed into the dance, Keira,” I tell her, figuring our schools have the same policy. “It’s too short.”

“Okay, fine. Whatever.”

She steps back into the dressing room to try on the next one. She had to have slipped that one into the pile underneath another one because I would have seen it otherwise.

“Will you tell me about your childhood?” Natalie asks.

“Um, it was good. My parents gave us everything we needed, instilled good values, and they let me keep my brother.”

“What do you mean?”

“They were only looking to adopt one kid, Cameron, but we were best friends. We had already claimed to be each other’s brother. Mom and Dad saw us together, saw how he reacted when they told Cam was told he was getting a family, but I wasn’t coming with him and vice versa. They didn’t want to separate us, so they adopted us both.”

Natalie is quiet for a moment. “I didn’t know that.”

Keira steps out in a red dress, but Natalie tells her she doesn’t like it. Back into the dressing room she goes.

“Mom would probably be able to tell you stories like you want to hear. I don’t really know where to start or what to say other than they were the best parents I could ever ask for and I wouldn’t trade them for anyone.” Is it harsh for me to say that? Even though it’s the truth?

“I’m sure you’ll still enjoy meeting your real family.” I clench my jaw at real family, but don’t say anything as she continues, “Whenever you’re ready, that is.” Keira shows off another dress that we both agree is a bad choice. Once she’s back inside, Natalie asks, “Is there anything you would like to know about your father?”

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