Part 41 (1/2)
”You don't have to,” he said. ”I'm getting clean. See how my hands are shaking? I've been attending meetings. I'm going to do this, Wiley, but it would be so much easier if you helped me.”
I glanced around to make sure Mr. Owen wasn't stalking me, hiding behind the candy racks and listening.
”I know you have to work,” he whispered, remembering where we were. ”Can I come over tonight?”
”I don't know.”
”Just to talk.”
I said nothing.
”Please?”
”All right,” I said at last. ”But you'd better wear a bullet proof vest because if I don't shoot you, Noah might.”
He smiled.
59) Old buddies
NOAH FROWNED FROWNED when the lights flashed as the doorbell rang that evening during supper. when the lights flashed as the doorbell rang that evening during supper.
He hurried to the door to let Jackson in.
What do you want? Noah demanded angrily. Noah demanded angrily.
I want to talk to your dad, Jackson said Jackson said.
You hurt my dad's feelings.
I'm sorry.
My dad really likes you.
I know.
You were so mean!
I know. I'm sorry.
Noah turned to look at me, face full of disapproval.
Be nice, I signed. I signed.
He led Jackson to the table, took his place without offering one to Jackson.
”Hey,” Jackson said, looking down at me.
”Is that all I get?” I asked. ”'Hey?' I don't get a kiss? What the h.e.l.l is this?” I don't get a kiss? What the h.e.l.l is this?”
He bent to kiss me.
Noah made an unhappy face.
”Is that better?” Jackson asked.
”It will do, I guess,” I said, handing him a plate and nodding at the empty chair.
He sat, helped himself to pasta and meatb.a.l.l.s.
”Real food,” he enthused.
Why didn't you come to see me? Noah asked him. Noah asked him.
I had to work, he offered uncertainly. he offered uncertainly.
I thought you were my friend.
I'm sorry, Jackson repeated Jackson repeated.
You're a big doofus!
Don't talk like that, I warned him.
He is, Noah insisted. Noah insisted.
”What did he say I am?” Jackson asked.
”He said you're a big doofus,” I replied.
”Getting it from both barrels,” Jackson said.
”You deserve it,” I pointed out.
My mom died, Noah said to him. Noah said to him.
What? he asked, incredulous. he asked, incredulous.
And you hurt my dad, Noah added. Noah added. You're a bad man and I hate you! You're a bad man and I hate you!
Stop it, I signed to Noah. I signed to Noah.
He is!
It's not your business.
It is too!