Taming Mr. Robinson

11. Chances.

He still has the same stance as before, eyes steady on me.

Oh, what now?

"It's my boss." I say to Ty, unable to draw my eyes from Mr. Robinson's capturing blue gaze.

I don't move from my spot next to Tyler because I'm hoping Mr. Robinson will get the hint that I don't feel like being bullied again, especially in front of my brother.

I watch as he walks into the room and stands on the other side of Tyler's bed.

"I'm sorry about your accident, Tyler. I just settled your hospital bills and if there is anything more I can do to help, let me know." Mr. Robinson says and I watch him bring out his card and stuff it under Ty's pillow.

Ty turns to me wide-eyed and I can tell he is impressed which only makes me glare at Mr. Robinson.

"Um, I don't know what to say. Thanks, man." Ty says and my breath catches.

"No, Ty. His name is Mr. Robins-"

"Kyle. Call me Kyle." Mr. Robinson interrupts and Ty just shrugs.

I'm fuming now, pinpointing my gaze on Mr. Robinson.
Just what exactly is he trying to prove?

"You didn't have to do that. Paying the bills, I mean. I could handle it."

"I'm only trying to help." He says with an innocent shrug and I want to wack him with the telephone nearby.

"Is there a reason you're here, Mr. Robinson?" I ask, just about ready to lose it.

"Yes. I want to speak with you." He says and I begin to get up.

"No, it's okay. You don't have to leave your brother. We can talk here." He says and I frown.

Okay, there is definitely something going on here, and as always, he is the mastermind.

"I just want to apologize, Anne. I shouldn't have suggested fixing things with a cheque, that was wrong of me. So, maybe I can take back that offer and replace it with another. Umm--"

"You don't have to. It's fine."

"Marcy, just hear him out." Ty says and I want to refuse but Mr. Robinson beats me to it.

"I can take you somewhere to get your mind off all this. Maybe ice cream?"

"No thanks."

"Marcy--" Ty begins and I turn to him.

"You just woke up and the doctors don't even know. I want to be here with you."

"I'm fine. I'll call the doctors myself okay? Go with him, Marcy. You look like you could use a break. I can't imagine all you've had to put up with and if I could take you out myself, I would. Please, just go and take the rest of the day to just feel good." Ty says and I sigh, knowing I've lost.

Mr. Robinson is standing there, with his slight smile and I know he wanted this.

"Fine. I'll be back tonight, though. Okay?" I say to Ty as I bend a little and kiss him on the cheek.

"Love you." He says as I grab my purse and I smile at him.

"Too the moon and back."
And then we exit the room. I keep my gaze on my feet and maintain my silence until we are standing in front of Mr. Robinson's Cadillac.

I stop in front of it while he unlocks the car and opens the driver's side. Then he pauses and stares at me.

"What now?" He äsks.