Page 158 of Broken Vows

Fifi gives him a slow blink and immediately tries to eat his spelling worksheet.

“Silly girl,” I murmur, pulling it away from her.

Then Theo’s head drops. Before I can ask what’s wrong, tears spill down his cheeks.

“I’m sorry I lied to you,” he says.

“What? Sweetheart, you didn’t⁠—”

He keeps his eyes on Fifi. “I met Grace before. We went to the arcade. She showed me the tennis simulator. And I know Drew too. I wasn’t allowed to tell you.”

For one hot, furious second, I want to slap Levi for putting Theo in that position.

I reach across the table and take his small hand. “Listen to me. That is not your fault.”

His bottom lip trembles. “But I lied.”

“You were put in a very unfair position by an adult who should have known better.” I keep my voice gentle, even though my chest is burning. “I don’t blame you. Not even a little. And I won’t let you blame yourself either.”

He looks up, eyes far too serious for a ten-year-old. “What did Levi lie about? He told me he lied and that it was wrong and that you’ll never forgive him.”

“That’s not for you to worry about,” I say.

As Theo pets Fifi, he tells me Principal Grover made Levi come to a meeting.

“A meeting?” I ask.

“Yeah. With folders and everything.”

“That sounds serious.”

“It was. Levi wore a shirt with buttons. He said administrators like that kind of thing.”

Despite everything, a small smile slips out.

“He has to check in before school stuff now,” Theo continues. “And he has to talk to the counsellor lady with me. He said it’s stupid, but he’s going.”

“Good,” I manage.

Theo scratches behind Fifi’s ear. “Levi said not to bother you for too long.”

“You never bother me.”

“He said you’d say that.” Theo gives me a small, knowing look. “But that doesn’t mean I get to stay all night.”

We talk for another ten minutes or so and then Theo zips up his bag slowly, clearly trying to stretch the moment.

“Can I come back tomorrow?” he asks.

“If you want to.”

“I want to.”

“Then yes.”

He stands, then hesitates by the door. “Will you come home soon?”

I look at his hopeful face.