CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
THE THINGS THAT FOLLOW YOU HOME
Calum almost changed his mind three times before he reached the front door.
The first time was in the car.
He had sat behind the steering wheel for nearly ten minutes, staring through the windscreen at Ezra and Penelope's house, with his keys resting between his fingers and the engine switched off.
The second time was when Mathew called him.
The third was when Mathew appeared beside his window and knocked twice on the glass.
Calum looked up.
Mathew pointed toward the house.
Calum looked away.
Then, reluctantly, he unlocked the door.
"You know," Mathew said as Calum stepped out, "most people would have just said they weren't coming."
"I considered it."
"Several times, I imagine."
Calum shut the car door.
"Then why did you keep calling?"
Mathew shrugged.
"Because I figured you'd keep considering it until you drove away."
For a moment, Calum almost smiled.
Almost.
