“She can’t walk around like that. It’s inappropriate. We have sons.”

“She’s a child. You frightened her.”

“She won’t do it again then, will she?”

Two weeks after Eleanor’s visit, I’m still in New Haven. I can’t stop ruminating about her high-and-mighty tone, or Lawrence’s endless questions. The phone rings on Thursday night. It’s Nate. “Where are you?” he asks.

“Nice hello. I’m in my apartment. Why? Where are you?”

“Home with Mom and Dad.”

“Okay, what’s going on?”

My question aggravates him. “Suddenly you care?”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Nate?”

“Epic story, Cass. Stop me if you’ve heard this one. Billy Quinn, star-student, all-Ivy athlete, is arrested for felony sexual assault. His parents are locked in a heated battle. Should he take a plea—ass-rape in prison for seven years—or gamble in court? The trial starts in two months and the defense has no strategy. What will they decide? Tune in for today’s gripping episode.”

“Again, what’s your point?”

“You used to haul your ass home in a family emergency. Now our mother has to beg on her knees.”

“Eleanor told you she was here?”

“She mentioned it, sure. We have no secrets, Ellie and me.”

“Well, Nate, I haven’t heard from you in forever. And when I’m home, you’re too busy to acknowledge me. So you can lose the fucking attitude.” In the silence that follows, we listen to each other breathe. Knock it off, Nate. We’re on the same side. Don’t make me the enemy.

“Okay,” he concedes. “Truce. Billy has gone off the deep end. He lays in bed like a corpse, while the rest of us rats scramble for cheese. Except you. I hear you’re lounging by the pool, sipping Mai Tais. Ellie said you’re very tan.”

“Did she. What else did she say?”

“Your shorts are too short, your top is too low, and your apartment is a dump.”

“Really?”

“No, not really. But I’m not wrong, am I?”

We both laugh. “Sorry I haven’t been home. I needed a break.”

“I understand. It’s hell. Worse than hell. But I’m serious about Billy. He’s, like, catatonic. Doesn’t read, doesn’t run. Just lies in bed and zombies out on his computer. I realize he’s scared, Cass. But he can’t step into a courtroom like this. He has to fight.”

“So you want me to help get Billy on his feet and persuade Lawrence to back off?”

“You know, Princess, you’re a lot smarter than you look.”

It’s good to hear Nate’s voice. I’m not ready to hang up. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Maybe.”