The three of them lingered on the sidewalk long after the car’s taillights vanished.

  Veronica broke the silence first. “My dad is in so much trouble when Mom gets home.”

  Shoshana laughed. “I thought she went easy on him.”

  “She did,” Veronica said. “Which means she’s saving the heavy artillery for when he walks through the door tonight.”

  Thomas smiled, hands in his pockets. “Your mom’s awesome. She feels like the kind of second mom you always hope for. Reminds me of my best friend’s house growing up: door always open, food always ready.”

  Shoshana glanced at him sideways. “Did you catch the part where she basically gave Veronica permission to kidnap me for weekends… but only if you’re driving?”

  Thomas shrugged, cheeks pink. “I think it’s the rainstorm story. Wendy told half the neighborhood how I fixed their tire in a downpour. Now every mom on the block thinks I’m a human AAA service.”

  Veronica snorted. “Useful superpower.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  They reached the Mendelson porch just as the last lodge brother came out, tipping an imaginary hat.

  David spotted Thomas. “Hey, could you grab our bags from the living room? They’re by the couch.”

  Thomas jogged inside and came back wheeling three suitcases like it was nothing.

  David popped the trunk and started loading. “Mom, Dad, I’ll call when we’re home safe.”

  Shoshana turned and wrapped Veronica in a fierce hug. “Thank you. For everything.”

  When she stepped back, Thomas executed an exaggerated courtly bow, took Shoshana’s hand, and brushed his lips across her knuckles. “Safe travels, miss.”

  Shoshana’s face went scarlet. Veronica let out a low whistle.

  David pretended not to notice, but the corner of his mouth twitched as he shook Thomas’s hand. “Take care of them for me,” he said quietly.

  “I will, sir.”

  Hugs were exchanged all around. Shoshana climbed into the back seat. As the car pulled away she pressed her palm to the window. Thomas lifted his hand in answer until the car and girl disappeared around the bend.

  Veronica bumped his shoulder. “Seven-fifteen tomorrow morning, Romeo. I like to beat the bell by ten minutes. Don’t make me honk.”

  Thomas saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”

  She jogged off, calling over her shoulder, “And practice that hand-kissing in the mirror tonight. You’re getting dangerous!”

  Shelomoh stood in the open doorway, arms folded, the porch light behind him turning his white hair into a soft halo.

  “Thomas,” he said, voice gruff but not unkind. “Let’s go inside, boy. House feels too quiet all of a sudden.”

  Thomas took one last look down the empty street, then stepped over the threshold.

  The door closed with a gentle, final click.

  Home.