“I can’t go to the library with you. I have to read.”

“Ha ha. Very funny.”

“I’m not kidding. I’ve been hauling around Tess of the Douchevilles for more than a week now. I’ve yet to get through the first chapter. I have to just sit down today in my bedroom and start powering through. Plus, I’m thinking it might be a good idea for me to take a break from the club, give it a rest for a day or two.”

“All right, but if you change your mind, just let me know. I’m not planning on leaving for a bit.”

“I will,” Charlie said, “but I won’t. You know libraries give me the creeps.”

“You want to go the library, Alice?”

Alice turned, saw Richard striding through the door, Maggie right beside him. Unlike her and Charlie, with their drawn faces and shadowed eyes and lo-fi energy, her mom and stepdad radiated health and vigor, the clear complexions and bright eyes of a good night’s sleep.

Alice nodded at him and then looked down, afraid that her thoughts were showing on her face, that he’d know just by looking at her why she wanted to go to the library.

“How are you going to get there?” he said.

“I was going to ask to borrow the car if it wouldn’t screw up your plans.”

“I think that would be all right if you promise to be careful.”

“I will be. What time do you need it back by?”

“I’m going to be in the office until lunch. Your mom promised she’d keep me company, help me work the fax machine.” He pulled out Maggie’s chair, smiled at her as she sat down in it. “It only listens to her.”

“Thanks,” said Alice, when he handed her the keys. “I’ll just be gone a couple hours.”

At that moment, Alice’s cell vibrated beside her plate. She almost always kept her phone in her bag, tucked out of sight. Couldn’t stand people who were constantly looking to see if someone was trying to reach them. But she’d been hoping to hear from Tommy, a call or a text with an explanation as to why he’d ditched her last night. Or, at the very least, with an apology. Kept pulling it out to check. Finally she decided to just leave it on the table. Glancing down at the screen, she was disappointed to see Angela’s name flashing across it, not Tommy’s.

“Let me guess,” Charlie said, smirking at her. “Patrick? Boy, that guy will not give up. He calls and calls.”

“It’s not Patrick.”

“But you’re letting it go to voice mail.”

Dropping her cell in her bag, Alice said, “Patrick’s not the only person I’m avoiding these days. Besides, he actually did give up. A few days ago.”

“Finally took the hint, huh?”

“I guess.”