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Ali couldn’t argue. “You’re right. But he’s gone. Time to focus on yourself. You’re a good guy and a great student who just needs to set an extra alarm or two in the morning. But try to work it out with James. You shouldn’t have to walk on eggshells in your own room. I can talk to—”
“No, it’s better you don’t.” Dwayne stood. “I’ll deal with it. I have sociology in a few minutes.”
“Dwayne,” Ali said as he moved to the door. “You did the right thing, I promise.”
He nodded, tapping the door frame and walking out.
She reached for her phone to text Cornell, asking him to think about talking to the team about not giving Dwayne such a hard time. He responded a minute later.
Things will get better now that Graham’s gone. They need a minute to rebuild. The kid was like cancer.
Disheartened, Ali sighed as Cornell sent another message.
Will drop Mowgli off after practice and meet my dad at the game. Promise to kiss you when I’m home.
* * *
“Mowgli, not in the flowers!” Ali tugged on his leash, pulling him away from the neighbor’s lawn.
Her mother groaned over the phone. “Just what this family needs. Another dog wreaking havoc on landscaping. Porter dug a hole under the fence yesterday.”
“He’s still a puppy, Mom,” Ali told her. “Porter isn’t.”
“Well, hurry up and train him then. Before it’s too late and he’s not allowed at my house anymore.”
Mowgli stopped, looking up at Ali as if he heard Bobbi’s comment. “She didn’t mean it,” Ali patted his large head. “You’re a good boy.”
“I sent you the invitation for the hospital gala in November,” her mother said. “Did you get it?”
“I did. We’ll come.”
“Good. We already bought the table. Tell Tara and her boyfriend to come. Black tie, remember? Cornell will need a tux. And you should get a new dress.”
Ali rolled her eyes. “I’ll tell him as soon as he gets home.”
“Where is he?”
“His dad is in town.” Ali stopped her stroll as Mowgli hopped off the curb, sniffing in the street. “They’re at the Cowboys’ game.”
Bobbi gasped. “His father is in town? And what, you two didn’t think it would be a good idea for us to meet him?”
“He isn’t here long. Next time.”
“We should meet him, Ali,” her mother lectured. “You two live together.”
Ali sighed. “Next time, I promise. Look, I’m almost home. I’ll call you later this week, alright?”
“Don’t forget to remind Cornell about the tuxedo.”
Ending the call, she and Mowgli made their way up the driveway. Ali was sending a text to Tara when the dog came to a halt and growled.
“Mowgli—”
“I’m sorry about what happened the other day.”
Ali’s eyes flew up to find Graham sitting on the front step. She gasped when he looked up from the ground, red-eyed. His lip was split open and smudges of bright blood littered his jaw. “Graham, what are you—”
“I didn’t have anywhere else to go,” he said somberly. “I didn’t know where to go. I just didn’t want to be alone.”
