Are we seriously having this conversation? Paul asked.

It’s not our responsibility, Ashley said to me.

Of course it is.

Paul flushed with indignation—How?

Because I’m a human being.

Really, it’s fine, Kyle said. It’s not your—

There must be someone, Ashley said.

I’ve asked Rory for a night but I haven’t heard back.

What about like an uncle or aunt? Paul asked. Grandparents?

It’s just me and my mom.

Well you’re not staying here. I’m sorry.

Yes he damn well is if he has nowhere to go, I said. I do, actually, have some responsibility.

What’s your mother’s phone number? Paul asked Kyle.

I held my finger up at Paul—Do not, no—

I’m calling and resolving this right now.

You’re going to make this a thousand times worse.

Worse than him moving into your house?

His mom should know, Ashley said.

Paul leaned in towards me—He is her goddamn problem, not ours.

And then, whether to curry Paul’s favour, or because he felt he had no other choice, Kyle recited his mother’s home phone number. Paul grabbed his own phone out of his pocket, and had Kyle repeat the last four digits as he dialed. Paul held the phone up to his ear, and we waited, breathless, for the call to go through.

Is this her real number? Paul asked Kyle after several rings.

Yes, of course.

She’s not answering.

It’s nine in the morning on a Sunday, Ashley said. She’s probably still sleeping.

She’ll be at church, Kyle said.

Church? Paul looked surprised. Right. Didn’t even occur to me.

The call went to voicemail and Paul began leaving a message—Hello, Mrs. Francis, this is Paul Devon speaking, Claire Devon’s husband. I’m sorry to be calling you so early on a Sunday—He wandered off into the kitchen while recording the message, stepping over balloons and piles of paper plates.

Kyle looked at Ashley, and then at me—Well I’ll see you later, he said, turning and walking out of the living room, towards the front door.

I followed him to the door, and tried to stop him—Kyle, wait.

But he charged outside and down the front path without turning around, as I felt white-hot anger flare up in me. I turned around to find Ashley right behind me.

You’re such a little shit, I said quietly.

Excuse me?

You knew your dad was coming this morning, and you invited Kyle to stay over knowing this would happen.

Are you insane?

Did you want to embarrass me? I asked. Punish me?

You’ve fucking lost it, woman.

Make him think I can’t possibly be left on my own?

I was trying to do the right thing!