Chapter 31

Robbie didn’t say a word. Tears streamed down his cheeks. After about fifteen minutes, he moved away from Tom, stood up with a stoic look on his face and asked, “Do you mind if I go to my room?”

Danny jumped up and grabbed Robbie’s arm. “Yes, I mind.” It was unusual for Danny to assert himself. Everyone turned to him in shock. “I know what you’re going to do,” Danny said in an even voice, “You’re going to take your things, pack them up in your backpack and take off because you think that you won’t be able to repay us.”

Tom turned to Robbie and pulled him back down to the loveseat. “Was that what you were planning, sweetheart?”

“Yes,” Robbie answered, shamefaced.

“Why?” Johnny asked, fiddling with the carrot cake on his plate.

“Because I can’t take charity and I won’t be able to pay anyone back.”

“Do you know what cocktail waiters make at Indiscreet?” Tom asked, his voice low and somewhat menacing.

“No…”

Tom pulled Robbie closer.