But Riley’s on her best behavior by the time Derek arrives. Though I’d forgotten to tell him my address, it’s the same house I’ve always lived in—like the funeral parlor, the home was my father’s before it became mine. Derek used to come over often enough when we were younger, and he apparently remembers the address because he arrives at 6:15 on the dot. When I open the door, I joke, “Were you sitting in the car waiting until the exact moment to come ring the bell?”
He laughs. “Are you kidding? I used to have the drive over here timed to the second. I knew just how long it’d take me to get from my house to yours so I could get the most sleep before I had to get up for school. You going to invite me in?”
“Nah, I thought you could eat out on the porch.” I hold the door open as he enters. “
