Two sets of eyes snapped in my direction and Beth jumped to her feet, rushed over, and threw her arms around me. I kept my eyes on Shane as Beth’s arms squeezed so tight I was afraid what little breakfast I’d had might end up on her shirt. “Thank you for coming,” she whispered into my shoulder. In front of me, Shane’s expression was blank and uncaring. He took in his mom hugging me before turning toward the television hanging in the corner. It was off, but he stared at it as if the most fascinating show were on. My heart splintered into fragments at the lost and sad look in his eyes. “You’re welcome,” I finally replied to Beth. I moved my hands to her upper arms and gently peeled her off me. “What can I do for you?” Her hand dropped to my wrist and she tugged me toward the door. With a frantic look, as if Shane were going to evaporate into thin air if she left the room, she told him we were leaving for a minute. “We’ll be right outside, though,” she assured him.
