Page 53 of Last Call

“Do you mean it isn’t fair that Marge is in surgery?” Fallon asked.

“I heard Pete tell Mom she won’t survive if something goes wrong this time.”

“He didn’t mean that Marge would die,” Fallon said. “Marge is his baby sister. He worries about her,” she explained, grabbing a nacho.

“How can you eat?” Evan asked.

Fallon shrugged, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. “Marge has been through a lot,” she said. “She also has a lot of support. I wish I could guarantee you that everything will workout the way we hope. I can’t. No one can. But I trust Billie’s opinion, and Billie is optimistic.”

“Yeah, but no one has called,” Evan pointed out.

“Billie said it might take a bit for Marge to come out of surgery. She has connections at the hospital, Evan. And Billie understands all the medical mumbo jumbo the rest of us don’t. I don’t think anyone will call until they can give us a full update. Would you like to tell me what else is bothering you? I have a feeling it’s more than just Marge and the baby.”

“Something always goes wrong just when everything is going right,” Evan said.

Fallon sighed. “Are we talking about Liv?”

Evan shrugged.

“Evan?”

“It’s just—things were good. You know? Living with Grandma. Being at your house with Emily and Summer, hanging out with Pete. Aunt Liv died, and it’s like everyone disappeared.”

“Except Pete,” Fallon surmised.

Evan shrugged.

“Pete’s a good guy.”

Evan nodded.

“I’m glad you have him. I’m sorry if I haven’t been around as much,” Fallon said.

“It’s cool.”

Fallon held back a chuckle. “I don’t think it’scool.”

“Nah. It is. I know you’re busy. Owen is little. He needs you.”

Evan adored Owen as much as Owen looked up to him. His observation held no frustration or disappointment. Whatever was on Evan’s mind, he didn’t feel neglected by Fallon.

“Mom was upset tonight. I could tell,” Evan said.

“She’s gotten close to Marge,” Fallon offered. “And I know she’s close with Pete.”

Evan’s eyes lifted to Fallon’s hesitantly.

“Evan?”

“It’s like they’re together, but they’re not,” he said. “Kind of like it was with Dad.”

“Pete isn’t like your dad,” Fallon said. “He doesn’t…”

“Bail?”

Fallon sighed.

“Sorry,” Evan said.

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