The mood in the car has changed. I can already feel the two of us getting closer again. The tension is gone and I feel like my friend is back. Ryan was my first best friend and I’ve missed the talks we used to have. I hope he’s serious when he says we’ll still be friends when he gets married.
“Ryan, I should’ve told you and Frank about the car, but I was afraid you guys would tell me I couldn’t have it. I know I probably shouldn’t have accepted it, but when I saw it in the driveway and Mr. Kensington said it was mine, I really wanted it. I’ve never had anything that nice.”
“I know. I would’ve taken it, too.” He kiddingly punches me. “I’m just jealous that you get to drive around in a Beemer while I’m stuck in this old thing. If that’s how rich people pay their babysitters I might have to spend a few months babysitting for some wealthy family. Does Lilly need a sitter over the summer? Because I’m available.”
“I don’t think so, Ryan. You’ll be taking classes all summer trying to catch up from your year off from school.”
We’re at the house now and Ryan gets out to open the garage. He has to open it by hand because Frank doesn’t have a garage door opener. It’s only a one-car garage and it’s really small but from the outside it looks almost the same size as the house.
Frank’s house and this neighborhood are such a huge contrast from the mansions and wealth that surround me back in Connecticut. That’s why it’s good to come home. I need to get back to reality.
Ryan gets back in the car. “Do you want to go inside? I’ll bring your stuff in.”
The front door opens and Frank appears, wearing his high-waisted, old-man jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. I get out of the car and meet him on the porch.
“Hi, Frank. You look really good.” I hug him which I’m sure still shocks him since hugging was never my thing until Garret came along.
“You do, too, honey. Come inside. You must be tired.”
“I was earlier, but I feel more awake now.”
We go in the living room which is right when you walk in. There’s no big, fancy foyer in Frank’s tiny house. He sits in his recliner and I take the couch.
“You’re not using your wheelchair?” I look around and see it folded up, leaned against the back wall.
“I’ve been feeling stronger and haven’t had any dizzy spells so the doctor said I could try going without it. He said it’s good for me to get around on my own. How about you? How’s your knee?”
“It’s better. I stopped using the crutches and so far I’ve been able to walk on it without any pain.”
Ryan comes into the kitchen with the grocery sacks Judy gave him. “Jade, you want to put this food away while I grab your stuff?”
“Sure.” I go into the kitchen which is just off the living room. “Carson’s mom gave us some leftovers. Do you want anything, Frank?”
He comes into the kitchen and sits at the table.
“No, I thought I’d take you out for an early dinner unless you want to sleep instead.”
“I can sleep later. Dinner sounds good.”
Ryan brings my suitcase to my room, then comes back to help me in the kitchen.
“I bet you and Jade talked the whole four hours and now she’ll have nothing to say at dinner,” Frank says to Ryan.
“No, she slept the whole time.” Ryan smiles at me. He won’t tell his dad about our fight. Frank doesn’t need to know.
“Well, if you two are ready, let’s head to the restaurant.”
My phone rings and I see it’s Garret calling. “Just a minute. I’ll be right back.” I go down to my bedroom and shut the door.
“Are you in Des Moines yet?” he asks.
“Yes. I’m finally home. That’s a really long drive. I wish I could fly back.”
“Maybe you can. Ask Cunningham when you see him out there.”
“I will.”
“Do Frank and Ryan have anything planned for you tonight?”
