Page 69 of Light Up My Life

“She hasn’t come for many years. I’d be surprised if she did this year.”

“Do you know her? His daughter?”

“Yes, a very long time ago, when she was living at home, we had a few interactions.”

“Is she nice?”

“She was a teenager.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked with a smirk.

“You are a very good teenager. Never getting into any trouble.”

I swallowed, thinking about Ryan climbing through my window. About kissing him in my room. And then kissing him in his backyard. I wasn’t as good as she thought. “Maybe Mr. Lenny had some unreasonable rules,” I said without thinking.

“Maybe,” Momma said, not suspicious at all.

“I’m also a good teenager,” Marcus said.

“Eh,” Momma teased. “That’s up for debate.”

I grabbed the loaf of bread and freed a piece from the bag, sticking it in the toaster. “We’re all going to movie night in the town square this weekend, right?”

“I work late that night, but you should all definitely go. Harris would love it. They’re playing The Grinch.”

“We’ll miss you,” I said.

Momma gave me a side hug. “I think you’ll live.”

Mom came into the kitchen wearing long fuzzy socks pulled up over her leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. She was holding on to Harris by the backpack. “I’m dropping Harris at school, then doing a grocery run. Does anyone need anything?”

“I’m good,” I said.

“Marcus?”

“Eggnog.”

“I hate eggnog,” Harris said.

“More for me then,” Marcus returned.

“I want chocolate milk,” Harris said.

“You’re coming to the movie on Saturday, right, Mom?” I asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

Momma followed Mom and Harris to the garage door. “See you all later. I’m heading into work.”

“Bye,” Marcus and I said, practically in unison.

When they were gone and we heard the garage door shut, Marcus pointed his spoon at me. “Well, aren’t you a little liar pants.”

I froze.

“What?” I asked, trying to be casual and retrieving my toast from the toaster.

“You’re surveying the neighbors because of the lawsuit, not some school project. You. Liar.”