Grant nodded.
“Exactly.”
“Then why can't I go?”
No answer.
Amara looked at Tyler.
He looked miserable.
She looked back at Grant.
“This isn't because of Tyler.”
“It is because Tyler has had—”
“No.”
Amara shook her head.
“If he needs time with you, take him somewhere.”
“I can go with Mom.”
“Or Grandma.”
“Or you two can do something.”
“Why do I have to be kicked out of a trip I was already invited to?”
Grant’s voice hardened.
“You are not being kicked out.”
“What is the word?”
“Plans changed.”
“What changed?”
Grant looked toward Nicole.
She looked down.
That was when Amara noticed the phone in her mother's hand.
An airline app was open.
Four boarding passes appeared on the screen.
Amara only saw them for a second.
Four.
Her heart jumped.
“There are four tickets.”
Nicole immediately turned the screen off.
Grant said:
“Amara.”
“Four tickets.”
Nicole’s face changed.
“There were.”
“What happened to mine?”
“Nothing.”
“Then I can go.”
“No.”
Grant’s tone ended the sentence.
Amara looked at him.
For the first time since Daniel died, she hated another adult in a way that frightened her.
Not disliked.
Not resented.
Hated.
She gripped the suitcase handle.
“I’m going.”
Grant stepped in front of the door.
“No, you're not.”
“I have a ticket.”
“That doesn't mean you’re traveling.”
“You’re not my dad.”
The words landed.
Tyler looked down.
Nicole whispered:
“Amara.”
Grant became completely still.
Amara regretted saying it.
Not because it was false.
Because Grant had been trying, in his imperfect way, for three years.
He drove her to debate tournaments.
Fixed her bicycle chain.
Stayed up when she had the flu.
Signed school forms under STEP-PARENT/GUARDIAN without ever crossing out step.
But the regret lasted only a second.
Then Amara remembered the suitcase.
“I’m sorry,” she said, though her voice did not sound sorry. “But you're not.”
Grant swallowed.
“I know.”
“Then you don't get to decide I’m not family.”
Nicole began crying.
Tyler whispered:
“I don't want to go.”
Grant turned.
“What?”
Tyler looked at Amara.
“I thought she was staying because she wanted to.”
“Tyler.”
“I don't want to go if she can't.”
Grant’s frustration returned.
“This is exactly why I didn't want you involved in the conversation.”
Tyler’s eyes widened.
“What conversation?”
“The one where everybody decides what I feel?”
He dropped the suitcase handle.
The silver bag tipped sideways.
“I never said Amara makes me feel like I'm not family.”
Grant stared.
Tyler continued:
“You said that.”
“Ty.”
“No.”
His voice broke.
“I said Grandma Evelyn makes me uncomfortable sometimes because she only talks about Mr. Lewis.”
Amara looked at him.
Tyler had always called Daniel Mr. Lewis because he never knew him.
Grant nodded.
“Exactly.”
“That’s Grandma.”
Tyler said it like the distinction should be obvious.
“Not Amara.”
Grant stopped.
Nicole looked toward her husband.
Something changed in her expression.
Amara saw it.
The first crack in whatever agreement they had made privately.
Tyler continued:
“I like Amara.”
Amara almost laughed despite herself.
“Great endorsement.”
He looked at her.