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"Are you going to be okay?" Sean’s face, full of concern, was closer to o

"Yes," I said autoh I should start dinner" A meal likely to be eaten alone, if Trey went over to Colin’s As usual

"Sure," he said "Sorry I’m not much help"

He did look sorry In fact, he appeared absolutely dejected "All you’ve done is try to help," I told hi a little spark when he perked up "Can I ask oneHappy to do it"

"I’ht Will you coarden party? Do I have to drink tea?"

"Do you like tea?"

He laughed "You know? I do With lots of milk"

"I think I can provide that"

"Then yes," he said, and I instantly felt a mix of dread and anticipation "I’ll be there"

"Good," I said

His eyes grew serious "Is it really?"

"Yes," I said, and, to my surprise, it was

CHAPTER 20

"Trey tells et behind the wheel of a car I don’t think it’s beneficial to force a child outside of his coy mother, had called ? Everyone was a texter these days

"How I parentto keep my tone mild "Trey needs to coraduate If he doesn’t--"

"I don’t think you’re seeing the big picture," Charlene interrupted "You are trauiving hiain"

She sniffed "Putting undue pressure on a child will only strengthen his resolve to rebel"

"Does this ith Colin?"

"What?"

"When Colin’s father died, did you take your own advice?"

A beat "Colin’s father is still alive"

"Exactly"

Another beat "I guess you made a point"

"I did A pointy one I hope it hurt If not, I can drive the sharp end in even further" Had I really just said that? My heart fluttered I hated confrontation

"Trey just see to help I’m sorry ifI’m sorry if I overstepped Okay, I did overstep My concern is real, though Even if Iwords to express it"

Whoa Condescending Charlene’s apology sounded real "I’ the best I can Can you please accept that I am?"

"I suppose"

"You suppose?"