Chapter 7

He kicks at the fence again, and this time his bare toes curl through the metal links. He stares at them, fascinated, as he tugs at the fence. I try to think of something to get that gaze back on me, I want him to look my way again. I’m not even sure what’ll come out when I open my mouth until I hear myself ask, “Would you like some coffee?”

Coffee.His eyes light up and his smile is back. Before I can even start for the gate he swings one leg onto the fence, then the other. So much for keeping it between us,I think as the fence rattles beneath him. Then he’s in my yard, dressed in his boxers, that’s it, that’s all.Cautiously I ask, “Your friend won’t mind if you’re over here?”

Bradley frowns at me. “My friend?” He thinks a minute, then laughs, his brow clearing. “Oh, you mean Rudy? What’d he care for?”

Hello? Because he’s your boy?

Before I can say anything, Bradley tells me, “We’re not like that.”