“I was tired of her doing whatever she wanted,” he said. “And I was tired of Dad acting like it was funny.”
I stared at him.
Then I asked, very quietly, “Were you embarrassed because of me tonight?”
His eyes widened. “What? No.”
I nodded toward the front of the gym, where Vanessa was still being congratulated by people who thought she had just made a heartfelt charitable gesture.
“I mean before. With all of this. Your dad. Vanessa. School.”
He gave a sharp shake of his head. “Mom, I’m embarrassed because she’s ridiculous. Not because of you.”
I looked down for a second because that landed harder than I expected.
He went on, “You know what people actually say about you?”
I looked back up. “What?”
“That you work harder than anyone. That you helped Coach Bennett’s sister when she lost her job. That the pantry stayed open during the storms because you slept there to organize deliveries. That’s what they say.”
My throat tightened all over again.
Toby shrugged, suddenly sixteen once more. “Vanessa just thinks being loud makes her important.”
I laughed through the sting in my eyes. “You are very wise for someone who still leaves wet towels on the floor.”
