“Oh, Jesse! Is that why Rick was pissed?” Frederick asked. He paused the game.

“Who cares, man. I don't even know who Rick is, by the way,” Devin said, interrupting. “Honestly, I just wish you'd fuck off before Adrienne gets here, Jesse.” He sat down his controller in favor of staring at his phone. The screen reflected in his eyes—eyes which always stayed well away from Jesse's own. He mumbled, “Gonna be here any minute. I don't want you around ruining her mood.”

“Okay, Devin. Seriously, calm down,” Frederick said. “I don't think he needs to hear it right now.” He seemed distracted as he spoke and when Jesse looked over, he saw Frederick was also staring at his phone. “Hey, Jesse? Why's your mom calling me? Should I answer?”

A car pulled up and honked twice at the curb.

“I didn't know Adrienne was coming,” Jesse said. The queasy feeling came back and plunged a pit in his stomach. “Maybe I should go.”

Devin rolled his eyes and stood up. He walked right past Jesse to open the door, and as he did, Jesse couldn't ignore the overpowering smell of cigarettes. He stared at the beanie Devin had left on the couch.

“Nah, come on, Jesse. I haven't seen you in months! I'm not taking you home already,” Frederick said. “It'll be fine.”

The barking from the backyard turned to excited pawing at the screen of the backdoor. Devin stepped out the front of the house and closed the door behind him.

“Look, sorry about Devin. He shouldn't have been such an ass—” Frederick said. He massaged the back of his neck. But Jesse didn't know what to say, so Frederick was forced to finish the thought. “I would have mentioned on the drive over but I thought Devin would want to break the news. Guess I misread the room. Anyway, he'll warm up to you when he sees that Adrienne is comfortable, which she will be.” He handed Jesse his phone and stood up. “Voicemail from your mom, by the way.”

Jesse set the phone on the floor beside him. “What's the news?” he asked. His voice came out weaker than he expected.

But the door reopened and Frederick was already stepping over to welcome Adrienne. His arms were spread wide. Jesse made the decision to flee to the kitchen and quickly hopped out the back door. As he sat down on the deck and rested against the house, Charlie bounded over. Jesse welcomed the affection. He had missed the mutt.