“Another soup,” Dad scoffs. “Well, I don’t care what time it is, I’m getting the Cracklin’ Crusted Gulf Catch.”
Mom gets the BBQ Shrimp & Grits, and Dad seems satisfied with this. We’re sitting at a table for four with Tori and I across from each other and our parents on either side. As soon as the server leaves after taking our order, Tori leans back in her seat, eyeing me with a predatory smile.
“So, Evie, is Drew on probation?”
The question sends a shock through me, electricity zinging in my spine and fingertips. I’m aware of my parents stiffening as they turn to me in almost synchronized moves and await the answer.
The truth is my friend,I remind myself, and I nod. “Yes.” But I don’t give her any more than this.
Her expression doesn’t change. The answer doesn’t seem to surprise her at all, so I immediately know the question is not out of innocent curiosity or even the impulse to rile me.
“So he has a probation officer and, like, rules he has to follow?”
I narrow my eyes on her. I don’t know what she’s up to, but I know I don’t like it. “Yes.”
She takes a sip of her iced tea and smiles at me. “Like what?”
I think about the terms that I know about — what Drew and I have talked about briefly — and I realize none if it would harm him if I told them, and it may even help my parents see things differently.
I count off a few of the terms on my fingers. “Well, he has to have a place to live and a job. He gets drug tested every three weeks.” I move my gaze between my parents to make sure they are listening. “Of course, he’s passed those. He can’t associate with criminals, but since he spends most of his time at work, with his Grandma, and with me, I don’t think there’s much of a chance of that.”
Mom blinks, and I think for a minute that what I’m saying about him — about how simple and pure Drew’s life is — may be sinking in.
“You said he works in automotive repair?” Mom asks tentatively.
I nod, proud to talk about Drew, finally. Talk about him instead of just defending him. “His cousin owns C&C on Johnston Street. He’s also restoring a car at Mrs. Vivian’s.” I don’t mention it’s his brother’s car.
“What kind?” My dad asks, seeming interested in listening for the first time. It doesn’t escape my notice that Tori scowls at his question.
“It’s a Toyota Supra,” I say. “I’m not sure of the year, but it’s from the 90s. Right now, he’s working on saving the engine and replacing the wiring.”
Dad’s mouth bunches in such a way I know he’s impressed in spite of himself. Tori’s eyes blaze and her top lip curls.
“So what would happen if he, you know, violated his parole?” The question is so jarring, my parents join me in staring openly at her.
“I…” I shake my head, wondering why my sister has to be so difficult. “I really don’t know.”
Dad picks up his Diet Coke. “He’d be arrested,” he says, as though it’s nothing. As though he’s not talking about the man I love.
I press my feet into the floor and remind myself I’m connected to the earth. I remind myself that I am one with the source of all things, and that the universe is a loving and supportive universe. I breathe in love and breathe out love before meeting my sister’s gaze again.
“He’s not going to violate his parole, Tori. Drew is past all that.”
The server chooses that moment to approach the table. “Your bisque, ma’am.” He says, placing the bowl in front of me. My dad frowns.
“A cup? You got a cup of soup?”
“It’s a bowl, Dad.”
He looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. “Get something else, Evie, please. You can eat it later if you have to.”
I give the server a pleading look. “What’s good leftover?”
He offers me a kind smile. “Almost everything, ma’am, but might I suggest the Blue Dog Burger.”
I nod, smiling back. Drew is going to have a burger for lunch. He’ll love it. “Bring me one of those.”
“Her body is shutting down. It’s really just a matter of time now.” Drew stares at the takeout box I’ve handed him as though it just materialized in his hands. He opens the lid, blinks, and closes it again, giving me a tired smile. “Thank you. That looks good.”