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some perfumed women with scary red hats won’t try to hug me.”
    â€œHey, dude,” Blake called after Cody, as he started to walk away, “you want me to grab you a piece of cake?”
    Cody turned around. “Nah, man. You know, for the first time in my whole life, I’m not hungry for cake.”

Chapter 6
    Night Visitors

    C ody watched Blake collect the pizza box and pop cans from the living room coffee table. “You don’t have to do that, B,” he called from the couch. “I was gonna clean it up later.”
    Blake smiled warmly. “It’s okay, Code. I got it. I’m gonna toss this stuff, then head down the hall to your deluxe guest room. Gotta prep for Monday morning Bible study tomorrow.”
    Cody held his thumb on the TV remote’s arrow key, trying to find a decent show. He thought Blake had retired to his temporary room, but he heard the exaggerated sound of someone clearing his throat.
    Cody looked up. “You need to be tucked in or something, B? You’re on your own if you do.”
    Blake nibbled his bottom lip. “Cody, my man,” he began, “I get the feeling I’m kinda steppin’ on your toes here. It’s only my second day, uh, house-sitting or whatever, and I feel uncomfortable. And that’s not the standard drill for you and me. I’m really not trying to cramp your style here, but I promised your dad that while he and Beth were on their honeymoon—”
    Cody sighed. “Ah, B, I don’t want you to feel bad. It’s just that I’m almost fifteen. I don’t need a babysitter. It’s just ridiculous that Beth insisted on it, and I can’t believe Dad didn’t overrule her. Besides—”
    Blake sat down in Luke Martin’s recliner, which rested at a 90-degree angle from the couch. “Besides what, Cody?”
    Cody sighed again. “It’s just that when Dad and Beth get back from California, this house won’t be the same again. Ever. It’s gonna be louder. Busier. It’s gonna be just plain trippy.”
    Cody saw Blake begin to nod slowly. “And you’d like to enjoy a few quiet evenings before everything changes—”
    â€œExactly.”
    Blake let his head tilt back toward the ceiling. “Oh, man, I don’t know, Cody. I made a commitment to your dad—”
    â€œâ€”I won’t say anything.”
    â€œC’mon, dude, you know we don’t roll like that.”
    Cody sensed he was losing the argument. He leaned forward, rubbing his temples. “Well, how about this, then? You told my dad you’d look after me. That doesn’t mean you have to be here all the time. He doesn’t expect that anyway. He knows you have a demanding job—dealing with messed-up teens like me.”
    â€œAnd your point is?”
    â€œWell, why don’t you just pop in from time to time, just to check in and stuff? We can even have dinner every night, if you want. And I have your cell if there’s an emergency.”
    â€œBut, Code—”
    â€œBlake, listen to me, please. I need some time to myself. Need , not just want. I’m not planning to have a drunken party over here or anything. You know me better than that.”
    Blake stood, frowning. Cody could almost see the tug-of-war going on in his head. “Tell you what,” the youth pastor said finally. “Why don’t we give your plan a try for tonight? See how things go.”
    Cody clapped his hands together. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
    â€œBut you’ll call me if anything comes up. If you start to feel—whatever. You can call me any time of the night.”
    â€œWill do, B.”
    Cody almost closed the door on Blake’s backside as he ushered him out moments later.
    Finally! Cody thought, as he plopped on the couch. A little privacy. A little quiet . He wondered how life would be when the new Mr. and Mrs. Martin returned in five