They went back and forth for minutes with neither backing down from their position, and then Lina remembered she had the trump card. “Logan said Brian’s the best lacrosse player his age in the state. Don’t you think that being around him would be good for Logan’s lacrosse game?” And with that one statement, a crack formed in Phil’s resolve.

“Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let him come over once, since they took Logan to the beach.”

Chapter 25

25

“Do you want to listen to the band jam?” Emma asked Katie. They were in Emma’s basement watching television, but the faint sound of music could be heard through the window.

“Not really.” Katie stared stubbornly at the television. She was still mad at Matt for lecturing her in front of the band two days earlier.

“Seriously? In a couple of weeks they’ll be away at college, and we won’t be able to listen to them anymore.”

“Matt’s not going to college.”

“Yeah, but there will be no one around to play with. He’s not going to keep coming here after Ryan leaves.”

Katie was having a self-imposed pity party as she lay in the hammock listening to the band. The spell hadn’t worked, and in a couple of weeks Matt would be out of her life. She was losing both Dr. Drayton and Matt. She wiped the back of her hand at the tears slipping from her eyes. She had been so sure it would work. She became aware the band was no longer playing a moment before she heard Matt’s voice.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

The hammock shifted as he dropped down beside her. “Tell me.”

She turned her head and found her face just inches from his. “Why do you care?” Her heart skipped as she looked into his eyes.

“Because I do.”

She shifted her gaze to the darkened sky. “I had to switch psychiatrists. I don’t want to start all over with a new one. I just want to stop.” It was at least half true.

“Why do you still have to go?”

She shrugged. “Because they’re making me.”

“You still mad at me for the other day?”

“I don’t know.” She couldn’t think of much beyond the feel of his body pressed against the side of hers.

“I don’t want you getting in trouble and disappearing for another six months.” The warmth of his breath tickled the side of her face.

“My parents weren’t even around.”

“Come on.” He climbed out of the hammock and held out his hand. “I need water.”