I glance in the direction of the stairs, willing myself to not go up there and demand to know what’s happening. I want to hold her and tell her I’m here for her. I head to the kitchen instead, where the grown-ups are talking. I grab an apple from the fruit bowl and lean against the counter. “What’s going on?” I ask everyone, taking a bite.

   Lisa sighs. “Her parents weren’t prepared in case something happened.”

   “What does that mean?” I ask, looking at Dad.

   “There’s no money, Jake—even after the house and life insurance payout. It’s just enough to cover the mortgage and other debts,” Dad explains, shaking his head. “There’s enough money to pay tuition on whatever the scholarship doesn’t cover. But there’s no money left for housing or even textbooks—”

   “And she needs to somehow feed herself!” Lisa looks away from the window to me. “I don’t know what to do. I mean, she could come home with me . . . My fiancé would say yes if I ask him, but I don’t think it’s fair . . . She’s legally an adult, but she’s not ready to be on her own—not with nothing . . .” Her voice trails off.

   It’s quiet for the longest time, all of us staring at the floor. I’m thinking about what we can do to help—if there is anything we can do. I push away from the counter, throw my apple in the bin, and head to my room. I get under the covers with her and snuggle, just like she wanted. I don’t know how long we stay like that, but I know we both eventually fall asleep.

   I wake up to her trying to get out of bed, but I hold on to her more tightly and nuzzle her neck. She laughs. It’s a small laugh, but it’s enough.

   “I need to shower,” she says, stretching. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

   Mom is finishing cooking dinner, and Lisa is still here, too. “Where are Dad and Julie?” I ask.

   “In the study. They’re building the solar system,” Mom answers, rolling her eyes. Dad loves helping with these kinds of projects. I remember those days.

   I’m getting the drinks out to help set the table when Kayla walks in. She’s freshened up. She’s barefoot, wearing tight skinny jeans and an olive-green top. The clothes must be Heidi’s, because the jeans are skintight and the shirt hugs every curve of her body—just a size too small so about an inch of skin shows between the hem of her shirt and the band of her jeans. I’m staring—more like ogling. I’ve had my hands all over her, so I know she has curves, but damn.

   Mom’s in front of me. “You have a little drool,” she says quietly, playfully wiping my mouth. I swat her hands away and continue pouring drinks into the jugs.

   Julie leads the conversation during dinner. She talks about some new dance they’re learning. Kayla takes it all in and asks her questions. It’s the most I’ve heard her say to anyone but me. She seems to know what she’s talking about, and I wonder if she’s taken dance before. She definitely has the body for it.

   “Hey, Kayla.” I clear my throat. “Uh . . . Sam called earlier and asked if you could call her back about the funeral.”

   Kayla stops chewing and looks at me. “Okay . . . Thank you.”

   She smiles throughout the entire dinner, making small talk. It’s a sudden change in behavior, and I’m not the only one who notices.

   “What’s going on, Kayla?” Lisa looks at her suspiciously. “I mean, it’s great to see you smiling again, but after today—”

   “Aunt Lisa.” Kayla puts down her knife and fork and sits back in her chair. “I’ve had a lot of time to think. I can’t go to college—not now. It’s simply not an option. And I can’t stay here anymore. So I’m just . . . I’m done.”

FIFTEEN

MIKAYLA

   They’re all looking at me, waiting for more. I don’t have much more to tell them.

   “After the funeral tomorrow, I’m done. I’m leaving.” I look at Aunt Lisa, who’s frowning. “There’s nothing left for me here,” I say quietly. I look at Jake, who is sitting next to me, and put my hand on his leg under the table. His hand finds mine. “Well, there’s one thing, but I don’t know if it’s enough.” I end in a whisper and look down at my plate.

   Silence fills the room. When I look up, they’re all frowning at me, including Julie. Aunt Lisa is wiping away tears, and Jake grips my hand more tightly.

   Nathan clears his throat, and all eyes snap to him. “Listen, Mikayla . . .” He looks at me—really looks at me—and I can see the sympathy in his eyes. “You are going to stay here.” I open my mouth to protest, but he raises his hand. I let him continue. “You are going to stay here until you leave for college.” It sounds like an order. I can see out of the corner of my eye that Mandy is smiling at her husband with a newfound appreciation; she didn’t know this was coming.

   “I can’t stay here,” I whisper, looking back down at my plate. “I can’t stay here for free at least—let me get a job so I can pay you something.”

   “Mikayla,” Nathan says, shaking his head. He sighs, looking almost defeated. “I have thought about this, and from the few days I’ve known you, I can tell you’re not going to accept our offer to stay here without working for it. So, will you help me out at the office two days a week? I need an administrative assistant—someone who can file, type, keep things organized—basically all the things I hate. Do you think you can do that?”

    I nod, stunned.

   “Good, then it’s settled. I’ll pay you for your time like any other employee, but it’s not for room and board. Save that money.” I try to interrupt him again, but he stops me. “Save that money for college, Mikayla. We would, however, appreciate it if you could help Mandy around the house. She has a lot of things to organize before Jake leaves for college. You can also be Julie’s personal taxi—God knows she needs one for the summer. You can take Mandy’s minivan, and she can use my car. I’ll finally get to use the company car that’s sitting in the office parking garage, collecting dust.” I stare at him. “In a few weeks, we’ll all sit down and discuss how this arrangement is working out, understood?” He cocks his head to the side, waiting for my answer.

   I look around the table. Lisa and Mandy are staring at Nathan in awe, and Julie has her hands clasped beneath her chin, begging me to say yes—like I could say anything else. I look at Jake, who has the biggest, goofiest grin on his face.

   “Yes, sir. Understood.”

   The whole table erupts in claps and cheers, and I find myself missing my family. But it hurts less today than it did yesterday. Being here with them—it’s familiar, in a good way.