Chapter 6

I nod. “You’re right. Kids trust their parents even when they aren’t worthy of trust.”

“Yes. That.”

“It makes me mad.”

“Me, too. I like that you’re not trying to bullshit me.”

“I figure you wouldn’t let me.”

“And I like that you’re not trying to tell me what words to use and not to use.”

“I’m not in the habit of policing someone’s language. Unless someone’s saying something hurtful to or about anyone. Then I’ll have opinions. Like you, it seems.”

She nods along, as though she agrees with everything I say. “I get why Uncle Manne can’t stop talking about you.” She stands. “I need to go. Mom is waiting for me to come home.”

“All right. It was very nice meeting you, Charlie.”

“You’ll help him again when he comes back, right?”

“Of course.”

“I don’t mean just like you’ll help anyone who asks you. I mean like you did last time.”

“I will.” I lean forward and make sure to meet her gaze. “You have my word.”