“It was just a temporary bug, Grandma. And Dave’s not THAT bad.”
His grandmother, father, and sister all gave him a look.
“Once you get to really know him,” he added.
Willow smacked his arm. “I do know him, and I agree with Grandma. Dave is a bad
influence.”
“If he was such a bad influence, then why am I here and not at the casino?” William
asked.
“You have no money,” Willow answered flatly.
His dad and grandmother burst out laughing. William accepted defeat and focused on
his pizza.
The conversation lulled for a moment. William’s father broke the silence.
“Well, I know who is a good influence on William. Ever since Casey and him have
been hanging out, I haven't received a single phone call from school.”
Casey smiled.
“It was pretty embarrassing getting those calls at work about you having unexcused
absences,” he told his son.
“Wait, they called you at work?” William couldn't hide his shocked reaction. He
hadn’t realized the school called both his home and his father’s job. Casey pressed
her lips together, relieved she hadn’t skipped more.
“Have you thought any more about what I asked earlier?” his father asked the
grandmother, changing the subject. He had already finished three slices. He leaned
forward, elbows on the table, fingers interlocked.
“You know I haven’t,” the grandmother replied. “I don't think I can just sell that
house. There are way too many memories. And plus, you don't want this old lady
living with you and your kids.”