“Xander?”
“Yeah. He needs me.”
“So, we’ll all go,” he said, as if it was the simplest answer.
“But we have the tickets.” We were going to catch an Eagles game. Jase’s dad had some old friends in high places and they’d managed to get us VIP passes.
“Xander is more important. We can take him to a Rixon Raiders game and boost his cool-o-meter. The girls will be lining up for a chance with the Xan-man.”
“Ash, he’s seven.” I pinched the bridge of my nose.
“Nothing wrong with starting early.”
“I can’t believe they gave you your foster license.” He and Mya had been approved over the summer. They didn’t plan to become active foster parents until after graduation, but they had wanted to be prepared.
“What? The kids love me.” He chuckled. “But seriously, me and Jase can come with you. Xander will love it. We’ll be like the four amigos causing chaos. Just like old times.”
“I appreciate it, Ash, I do, but...”
“You need some bro time?”
“Yeah, I think we do. He’s got this crazy idea into his head that he wants to live with me and Hailee when we move back to Rixon.”
“Hold up.” I heard the surprise in his voice. “You made the decision?”
“Yeah, I think so. He’s getting worse. My mom and dad don’t know what to do with him anymore. Things will be easier if I’m around.”
“I get it, I do, and I hope you don’t think I’m talking out of line here, but do you think that’s the right move?”
“What do you mean?” My brows bunched together.
“Xander is already incredibly attached to you. If you go back, it might only compound that. He needs to deal with whatever it is going on in his head. The counselor should be able to help.”
Xander had recently started sessions with a new therapist. But he was resistant, unable to articulate why he felt the way he felt.
“How are your mom and dad holding up?”
“It’s taking its toll. Mom isn’t sleeping and my dad just throws himself into work and then feels guilty.”
“That’s rough. I’m sorry, Cam. If there’s anything we can do...”
“Thank you. I’m hoping if I’m around more, he’ll settle down at school. I made him a calendar of every weekend I’ll be home.”
It had been Hailee’s idea. We’d printed it out and it doubled as a countdown until graduation. Mom had helped Xander pin it on his wall beside his bed, and every morning, he crossed off another day.
I couldn’t get back to Rixon every weekend, not with games, but I’d managed to work it so I could go home at least once a month. Then there were longer holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It was a lot to juggle but I needed to make it work.
“So if you’re planning on returning to Rixon after graduation,” his voice sobered, “what does that mean for the draft?”
“I haven’t gotten that far yet.”
Xander needed me now. He needed to know I planned on being around more. Everything else had to take a backseat for now.
“I get it. I’m here, whatever you or your family needs.”
We chatted for a little bit longer. I asked about Mya and we talked about Hailee’s latest installation at an independent gallery in the city. By the time we hung up, I felt lighter.