own. We have school tomorrow, and you need your–” he leaned over and kissed me, instantly making me lose my train of thought.
“You’re not getting rid of me that easy,” he said, “Your feet aren’t healed up yet… and you’ve only had one good night’s sleep. I’d be up all night worrying...” He got out to retrieve his duffel and slipped back in, leaning over to kiss away my last feeble objections.
We pulled up to see a shining new Volvo sedan in the spot where Abby usually parked. It had dealer plates and stickers in the windows, and looked like it came fresh off the car lot.
“Who’s here?” Ethan asked.
“I have no idea,” I said. We parked and went in. Abby came racing up to hug me with a resplendent smile.
“Did you hear about your dad?” she was bubbling over with excitement, “He won the Nobel prize!” I felt a twinge of guilt that I hadn’t gotten so fired up about it.
“Uh, yeah, I called him. Whose car is that out front?”
Abby beamed, bubbling over with joy, “Martin is so good to us! You see, the prize comes with a lot of money, and he wanted to help us out. He had that car sent over for me and he’s paying for Cruz’s design school. He told me to let you know that you can choose any car you like! Plus, he’s going to fund some very important research... I’m just so proud of him.”
“That’s nice,” I managed to force a smile. I was happy for Abby and Cruz but my heart sank, for this was typical of how my father compensated for not answering my questions.
“Congratulations,” said Ethan, catching my eye.
“Can you guys order some pizza tonight?” Abby smiled, “I’m going for a drive, I think I’ll go visit Dutch.”
“OK, tell him not to wait up. I have some work to do,” Ethan smiled at Abby. She took off like a rocket as I sat down on the couch numbly, feeling defeated.
“So… what kind of car are you going to get?” asked Ethan.
I was irritated and hurt as I blurted out, “He’s trying to buy me off so I won’t keep asking him. This is the story of my life. Every time I try to talk about my mom he changes the subject and gets me something... He can’t just take me out for an ice cream cone anymore!” I said angrily, fighting back tears.
Ethan sat down next to me and put his arms around me, “I’m sorry,” he said, rubbing my back soothingly. After a minute he started chuckling.
“What?” I asked defensively.
“You’re probably the only person I’ll ever know who wouldn’t be psyched about getting a new car,” he said, kissing my nose.
I sighed sadly, “Are you going to call me spoiled again?” Cruz and Megan came barreling in and we pulled apart, looking up at the door.
“What’s wrong?” Cruz asked, scanning my face.
“Nevermind,” I said.
“Did you hear? Your dad’s paying for my school! This is awesome! Now I can quit my job and just work on my collection! I can spend my inheritance money on a car! I should make your dad a suit! Do you have his measurements?” His enthusiasm snapped me out of my funk and I got up to give him a hug.
“He’s not really a suit guy, Cruz,” I smiled, and added sincerely, “I’m very happy for you.”
“Did you call Evie yet?” he asked.
“No, but I’ll do it right now,” I said, “Oh… your mom went out for the night. Hey Megan, can you stay for pizza?”
Cruz and Megan each plopped down on a beanbag, and I excused myself to change and call Evie. She answered on the first ring, excited about Dad’s prize and effusive in her praise of him.
She told me to let Cruz know how much she was looking forward to seeing her gown, and we made plans to bring it up to her on Saturday. She happily chattered on about getting us lunch reservations at a hot new restaurant. I always felt better after talking to Evie, and the sting of my father’s sidestep was eased.
I took a quick shower, luxuriating in the hot water rushing all over me. I thought about the frigid ocean and felt a twinge of pity for Lorelei. This was a pleasure a mermaid could never know. I dressed, ran a comb through my wet hair and joined everyone in the living room.
“We’re on for Saturday!” I told Cruz, stopping when I noticed how