gives me a big hug and a kiss on the head. “It’s so good to see you kids together,” he says, his arms around me. “I’m glad you’re still best friends.”
I meet Milo’s eyes over Dad’s shoulder, and he looks away.
“Be right back,” I tell Dad as Milo gives him a goodbye hug, knowing he’ll probably forget about the appointment by the time our conversation is over.
I shut his door and wait until we’re a respectable distance down the hallway before I turn to Milo. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Visiting Dad,” he says defensively, then gives me puppy-dog eyes that would rival Leia’s. “I knew you wouldn’t respond if I texted, but if I showed up here, you’d have to talk to me.”
I sigh. “You were right.”
“I’m sorry,” he says as we move out of the way for an employee helping a woman with a walker.
“You promised you’d be there,” I say, my jaw set. “You promised you’d be the one on Dad duty, so I could have one night. Just one! And you couldn’t even do that.”
Milo opens his mouth to talk but I don’t give him the chance.
“And don’t think you can do the thing you do and that I’ll fall for it like always,” I say. “I know you’re so charming and everyone loves you, but that’s not enough for me anymore. I’m not letting you take advantage of me and avoid Dad because that’s how things have always been. I’m over it now. You need to step up.”
Milo places a hand over his heart. “Wow. Okay. So, there were some real compliments hidden in that dragging. Bless you.”
“Not the point, Milo.”
Milo grabs my shoulders and looks me in the eye. “I am sorry. Not just for that night. For everything. For leaving. For making you deal with all of it. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“You shouldn’t have.”
“I was being a real piece of garbage, okay? But I didn’t grow up as fast as you did, Chloe. Maybe it’s because you were always there to be a mom for me, but I kept thinking you’d handle everything, because you always have. And I know that was crappy. I talked to Fred about it, and he helped me realize that you’re my family, and I need to take responsibility, too.”
“Fred is an angel with a body that won’t quit, and I hope he never leaves you,” I say.
Milo points to the ceiling. “From your lips to God’s ears, babe.”
“Thanks for the apology. Really. But it means nothing until—”
“I’m moving back,” Milo says.
“What?” I screech so loud that a resident sticks her head out of her door and gives us a dirty look. I wave at her and direct Milo toward the double doors that lead into the courtyard.
“For real?” I ask once we’re seated on the wicker furniture overlooking a birdbath and a small garden. “Don’t get my hopes up if this isn’t for real.”
“We signed a lease yesterday,” Milo says. “Fred said he told you about how he’s been wanting to get out of the city anyway, so it’s perfect timing. We’re renting a house that’s far away from drunk college students and, while I will be forever indebted to Mikey Danger for his kindness, I’m happy to report that he will not be joining us.”
I can’t help myself; I lean forward and hug Milo. “So this is real? You’re really back?”
“Fred and I are buying furniture now, and I’m pretty sure he found the perfect spot for a puzzle table.”
“A house isn’t a home without one,” I say, pulling back from our hug.
Milo smiles at me. “This is real. I’m here for Dad, and I’m here for you.”
I close my eyes for a moment and let those words sink in. I’m here for you. It’s hard, but I let myself believe them, let myself accept that I might not be the only one handling Dad’s bad days. Milo will be here. It’s like Annie said: maybe I need to let people in.
“Um,” Milo says, and I open my eyes. He looks at me warily. “Are we having an impromptu meditation session?”
“Nope.” I smile. “I’m glad you’re here. Do you need a ride?”
“Actually.” Milo stands up and grins. “I drove here.”
My mouth falls open.
He holds out his hands in a giant shrug. “I know, I know. It’s like, ‘Who does he think he is? A self-sufficient adult?’”
“But you don’t have a car.”
“I borrowed Mikey’s delivery car,” Milo mutters. “My point still stands.”