Page 66 of Roar for Me
“Well, that’s silly. She can’t make time for both?”
Katie shrugged. “I guess not. She hangs out with his friends, but he won’t hang out with us.”
“That’s not fair.”
“I know, but that’s the way it is.”
Aurora crept to the door and peeked in to see her daughter chatting with Duncan. He would have been such a great dad. Ryder got robbed. Her heart broke for Ryder, but at the same time she was so grateful he felt comfortable talking to Katie like this.
Duncan shook his head. “It’s wrong, Katie. And I want you to know that.” He took a deep breath. “No guy should try to keep you from your friends or your family. And if he does, you need to stop seeing him.”
“So, what do I do?”
“The only thing you can do”—Duncan released a breath—“is be there when it all falls apart and help her put the pieces back together. Make sure she knows you’re there for her whenever she needs you.” He’d needed friends when things fell apart with Mariah, but they’d almost all disappeared.
“Thanks, Duncan. I should go get Mom.” Katie rose from the desk chair, took her prints, and almost ran into Aurora in the hallway.
“Hey, Mom! Duncan called.”
“I heard.” Aurora smiled and hugged her daughter. “I’ll talk to you later, Katie. Good luck with your collage.” Aurora entered the office and shut the door.
“Hello, beautiful. Sounds like Katie’s friend is going to have a rough time of it.”
“Yes, it does. Thank you for talking to her about it. She hadn’t mentioned it to me.”
“I’m sure she would have. She probably just hadn’t gotten around to it yet.” He gave her a warm smile through the screen. “So how was your day?”
They started talking about their days and making jokes, but in the back of her mind, Aurora decided to include Katie on her calls with Duncan more often.
One Monday in August, Jen called Aurora’s cell phone. “Hi, Aurora! Is Katie there?”
“No, I’m sorry. I’m at work, and she’s at home. Do you need her cell phone number?”
“She didn’t pick up, and her voicemail is full. Would you tell her I said congratulations? I’m so proud of her!”
What was she missing? “Okay, I will. Um, can I ask what you’re congratulating her on?”
“She got the scholarship for California College of the Arts! She submitted her photography portfolio during the school year.”
“What? I’ve never heard of this school. Is this some kind of joke, Jen?”
“No, no! I’m serious! She didn’t tell you? It’s her dream school!”
“She hasn’t mentioned it. Crap, I need to get going. I have a meeting. I’ll definitely pass the message on. Thanks for calling!”
“See you!”
Aurora couldn’t concentrate during the meeting. Why hadn’t Katie told her she entered the scholarship contest? And since when was her dream school in California? Since when did she evenhavea dream school? Thank goodness the day was almost over.
Aurora: Hey, Duncan, have you ever heard of the California College of the Arts?
Duncan: Sure. CCA is a big deal. Why?
Aurora: Jen called and told me Katie won a scholarship contest there, and I thought it was a joke.
Duncan: Holy hell, Roar! That’s awesome!
Aurora: I’ll talk to you later. Gotta drive!
