Gun Games - Faye Kellerman [79]
They rode a few minutes in silence. Gabe stared straight ahead, the windshield wipers slapping rhythmically, straining out a natural A.
Decker said, “Who’s the girl?” When the boy didn’t answer, he said, “Going out in the pouring rain. Plus, you’re wearing contacts.”
Gabe felt himself redden. “Someone I know from piano at SC.”
“She’s in college?”
“Freshman. She’s seventeen.”
Decker said, “She drives?”
“Yeah. She can take me home.”
“Why couldn’t she pick you up?” When he didn’t answer, Decker said, “I suppose it’s none of my business.”
“Thank you for taking me.”
“You’re welcome.”
“We’re just hanging, Peter. Probably going somewhere for dinner.”
“I’m glad you’re getting out.” Decker stopped at a red light. “You know, Gabe, I really don’t know much about you. And I suppose I haven’t made much of an effort. I’m sorry about that. I hope you haven’t felt neglected, but if you have, I plead guilty.”
“You’ve been terrific.” He really meant it. “You guys have been just perfect—the right combination of being there and not being there if that makes any sense. Me and my friend are just hanging. No biggie.”
“Second time you said that . . . which makes me think it is a biggie.”
“I like her, I guess.”
“I hope so.”
Gabe smiled, but it was a sad one. “It’s hard to get close to someone. I know I’ll be leaving soon.”
Decker said, “Gabe, I’m not your father, but we’ve been through some stuff together. You know that if you have something on your mind, you can come to me.”
“I appreciate it, but I’m fine. Honestly. I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, and should it be necessary, I know how to use condoms.” He regarded the Loo. “Please don’t tell Rina. It’s kinda a guy thing, right?”
Decker nodded. “I’ll try to respect your privacy. And I won’t tell Rina. But just to reiterate, if you really ever do have a problem, talk to me. Don’t try to handle it on your own. You’re still only fifteen.”
“I know. Chris says the same thing.”
Decker was surprised. “You’re in regular contact with your dad?”
“I had to call him last week. To be taken on by my agent, I have to sign a contract. Chris has lawyers, and I didn’t want to bother you. Also, I think he has to sign for me.”
“He’s still your father so that’s true. How’d the conversation go?”
“Okay. Chris was a terrible father, but I think he likes me better now that Mom’s gone. Besides, I don’t live with him so I guess I don’t get on his nerves.” He turned to Decker. “Do you ever talk to him?”
“He calls from time to time to check up on you.”
“What do you tell him?”
“That as far as I can tell, you’ve adapted well. They’re two-minute conversations.”
“That’s about right.”
“Within his capacity, he cares about you.”
“Maybe.”
“And so does your mother.”
Gabe looked at him. “Has she contacted you?”
“An occasional message on my computer telling me to take care of you. I’m assuming she’s contacted you as well.”
“We Skyped about three days ago. I saw her face for the first time in almost a year.”
“How’d she look?”
“Mom always looks great.”
“How was it for you?”
“Weird. It was like two in the morning. The good news is I got to see my baby sister. She’s real cute. It’s kinda cool having a sister.”
“Have you told Chris that you’re in contact with your mom?”
“No. I don’t think he’d even care.” Decker raised his eyebrow and Gabe caught it. “Yeah, he probably would care. But I see no need to volunteer any information. If he asked, I couldn’t lie. I mean, I would if I could get away with it, but I’m a terrible liar.”
“Yes, you are. I’m not even sure this piano girl really exists, but I’m willing to take your word for it.”
Gabe was silent, but try as he might, he couldn’t keep the smile off his lips. Decker decided not to comment. When they reached the mall, he said, “You got my cell number in your phone?”
“I have Rina’s but not yours.”
A surge of guilt ran through Decker’s veins. He really had left the kid to his own wits. “Let me give it to you, and I want your cell, too. I have it written