“For Elliot.”
Vanessa took it carefully.
Her eyes filled again.
“Thank
you.”
“Tell him it’s from Mason.”
“I will.”
He paused.
“Don’t tell him I’m his brother yet.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“I won’t.”
“I think somebody should know if they have a brother before everybody else does.”
I looked away before he could see my face.
Vanessa crouched.
“You’re very smart.”
Mason shrugged.
“My mom says I ask too many questions.”
“I think questions might be important in this family.”
That got the smallest smile from him.
Then Vanessa stood and looked at me.
“Claire.”
I waited.
“I am sorry.”
I believed her.
“I know.”
“I didn’t know.”
“I know that too.”
“And if you want me to stay away from Mason, I will.”
I looked at my son.
Then at the hospital photograph still tucked under her arm.
“I don’t know what I want yet.”
