“Oh my God,” I say and stop in my chair.
“Are you finally getting it?” She twists the knife a little further into my heart.
“I get it, yes.” Tears prick my eyes and I hang my head.
“Good. I’m sorry I got you upset,” she says, walking toward me. She bends to hug me, and I throw my arms around her neck. “But you needed to really listen to me,” she says, and I nod against her chest. “Now what are you going to do about it?”
“Good morning, ladies.” Dr. Hagan’s peaceful voice floats through the room. Marcie and Becky trail closely behind her. We’re about to change shifts and our routine begins.
I PULL INTO OUR DRIVEWAY and am surprised to see Aunt Peggy’s car. She’s been so busy lately now that Epic Fail has been using Garrett’s house as their recording studio. She complains about it a little, but I know she’s secretly happy to be able to take care of all of them. My heart sinks when I think of Kai. I miss him so much.
“Sam, you’re home,” she says in her sing-song voice. “You look exhausted.”
“Back-to-back shifts will do that,” I say and sink into the living room couch.
“Kai started walking the other day,” she exclaims, and I smile from ear to ear.
“Really? That’s amazing.” I can’t believe I missed it.
“Max said he was table surfing like a pro and then just let go and kept going. He falls a lot, but it doesn’t stop him. No way.”
“Quiet at the house today?” I ask Peggy. She gives me a sideways look and knows I’m trying to fish for information.
“Garrett’s at his lawyer’s office today, and Max is home with Kai.” Her face lights up and she continues, “You know, Garrett will be gone for a few hours. You should go over to the house and see Kai walk. I know he’d love to see you too.”
I sigh. I haven’t been back to the house since that day. The day that everything between us changed.
I kick off my Danskos and curl my legs underneath me. “I haven’t slept in forty-eight hours. That’s my priority right now.” Cassie’s words ring in my head and my aunt’s expression elicits guilt.
You’re punishing Kai.
I stand up and slide back into my shoes before I change my mind. I hear Peggy breathe a sigh of relief when I walk toward the front door. “Give Kai a kiss for me, okay?”
“Of course,” I say and shut the door.
MAX IS SURPRISED TO SEE ME when he opens the front door. “Sam, how are you?” he asks. “It’s been such a long time.” He steps aside and I walk past him.
I look around the foyer and see recent pictures of Kai adorning the walls. The last time I saw him was a few weeks ago when I met him and Peggy for breakfast at the diner. “Peggy says he’s walking,” I say and strain my neck to see if he’s in the kitchen. It’s quiet in the house, so I assume he’s asleep.
“He’s like a bull in a china shop. Thank goodness your aunt baby-proofed this entire house because everything would be on its end otherwise.” He shakes his head. “Kai’s a piece of work.”
“I bet he is.” I smile.
“Would it be okay if I go upstairs and peek in on him?” I ask hopefully.