“Who’s the boy with you?”
“That’s Tanner.”
“As in Tanner Hartson?” Zoe’s mouth gaped. “But he’s shorter than you. And his jeans are even worse.”
Van laughed. “He was shorter than me until seventh grade. I hated it when he grew and I didn’t. Felt like I was losing a race or something.”
“What’s that?” Zoe asked, pointing at an egg-shaped piece of plastic.
“A tamagotchi.”
“A what?”
“It’s an electronic pet. You had to keep it alive by feeding it and cleaning up after it. I used to sneak it into my pocket at school, because if I left it at home it’d be dead by the time school was finished.” She pressed the tiny button at the top, but nothing happened. “I guess the battery’s dead.”
“And the pet,” Zoe pointed out.
“Touché.” Van put the tamagotchi back in the box, and replaced the lid. “Actually, while you’re here, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“What?”
“Tanner’s found a rental house to live in. And he’s asked if I’d like to stay over with him sometimes.” Her words came out in a rush, like she couldn’t wait to be rid of them. “But that would mean leaving you here with mom. Unless you want to come with me. He has lots of rooms.”
Zoe frowned. “Why would you want to stay over with…” Her words trailed off, as realization covered her features. “Is he your boyfriend?” she whispered, her eyes wide.
“Um, I don’t know. Sort of. Though it’s early days and we’re just getting to know each other again.” She gave Zoe an awkward smile.
Zoe nodded and looked away, her face serious as she took it all in. “Are you planning on moving in with him forever?”
“No. Absolutely not. It’s too soon, and neither of us are ready for that.” Van flashed her a smile. “We just want to spend a bit of time together. And I don’t want you waking up and being scared because
I’m not here. Though if you do, you can call me. I’ll always have my phone on.”
Zoe pressed her lips together, then looked at the photo in her hand again. “I like Tanner,” she said. “He’s always nice to me.”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy.”
“So, it’s okay with me if you want to have sleepovers at his place.” Her expression was so serious it made Van want to laugh.
“Thank you. It won’t be all the time. Maybe twice a week.”
“Does Mom know about him?”
Van shook her head. “No, I haven’t told her yet. I haven’t told anybody, really. Except you.”
Zoe smiled. “Wow. So now I know all your secrets. You’re gonna have to bribe me with chocolate.”
“It’s not a big secret. Just something I don’t want people knowing about yet. I’ll talk to Mom and tell her. I don’t want you feeling like you need to keep things from her. But I’d prefer it if you didn’t share it with anybody else just yet. We’re both getting used to being close again, and I’m not ready for the whole town to stick their nose in.”
“A bit like when I learned to ride a bike. I didn’t want anybody knowing in case I failed.” Zoe pressed her lips together. She put the old photograph carefully back in the box and pulled another one out. “Is that me?” she asked, pointing at a photo of an eighteen-year-old Van holding a baby.
“Yeah. The day Mom brought you home.” Van smiled. “You were so tiny, I was scared to even touch you. Eventually she persuaded me to hold you, and it felt perfect. Can you see how happy I look?”
“I look happy, too.”
“That’s because you were full of gas. You were always burping.”
“Hey!” Zoe mock-pouted. “That’s rude.”