Free Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins

asked testily, “What’s up with you dissing your girl that way? You know you hurt her feelings, right?”
    Devon squirmed on the couch.
    â€œThat was wrong, Devon. She’s your sister and your best friend. Do it again, and I’m telling Tamar.”
    Devon’s eyes widened.
    Trent’s did, too.
    Amari wasn’t done. “You’re about to be a July pretty soon, so start acting like it. You might be Mr. President with Ms. Lily, but here, you’re just a kid with a clip-on tie who doesn’t know a tire iron from a screwdriver.”
    That said, he looked to his dad. “Is it okay if I go over to the Dog and hang out with the OG until you get there?”
    Trent was so stunned, he stammered, “Uh, sure. I’ll text you when Devon and I are on the way.”
    â€œHe eating with us, too?”
    Trent nodded.
    Amari said with feeling, “Bye, Devon.”
    Devon mumbled, “Bye, Amari.”
    And Amari left.
    In the silence that followed, Devon, looking absolutely miserable, again raised his eyes to Trent. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œI appreciate that, son, but Zoey’s the one you need to apologize to.”
    Devon dropped his gaze again.
    Trent went over and sat down beside him. After a few moments of thinking about what he wanted to say, he began, “Devon, you’ve been dealing with a lot since your grandma died. You’ve come to a new place, you have new family and friends, and you’re trying to find your way. I know that Zoey has been a big part of your life here, but you can’t get mad at her for wanting to do stuff that you don’t.”
    â€œI don’t like working on cars.”
    â€œThat’s fine, but Zoey does.”
    â€œWe’re supposed to be friends.”
    â€œAnd what, friends only do what you want them to do?”
    He didn’t respond.
    â€œYou’ve spent the past two years being the best friend to Zoey anybody could be. You and Amari and Preston were there for her that day she got scared by Cletus at Ms. Marie’s party. You’ve talked for her, you’ve helped her with her music, and you’ve been a great brother, but the two of you are growing up, and as you do, your interests will change. Just because you two share a love for music and church doesn’t mean she can’t like working on cars.”
    â€œGirls aren’t supposed to work on cars.”
    â€œBetter not let Ms. Rocky hear you say that. This used to be her garage.”
    His eyes went wide.
    â€œYep. Girls can do anything you can do, except maybe write their names in the snow.”
    He stared.
    Trent shook his head. “Never mind. Have Amari explain that to you.”
    He folded his arms. “Amari is the devil.”
    â€œAnd who were you when you turned your back on Zoey a minute ago?”
    Devon went still.
    â€œDon’t judge, lest you be judged,” Trent cautioned.
    â€œYou know the Bible?”
    â€œA bit, but knowing the Bible means nothing if you don’t practice what it teaches.”
    Devon appeared to think that over and finally responded, “I like wearing my clip-on ties.”
    Trent didn’t call him on changing the subject. “Amari and I can teach you how to tie a real tie.”
    â€œBut I don’t want to tie a real tie.”
    Trent’s eyes were lit with amusement. “All I keep hearing from you is what you don’t want to do. Is there anything in this world you do want to do?”
    â€œYes. Get a preaching license so I can be the Henry Adams preacher and marry you and Ms. Lily.”
    Trent threw up his hands. He was done. “Let’s get cleaned up so we can go meet Amari at the Dog.”
    As Devon left to wash his hands, Trent shook his head in wonder. At one time, he’d thought raising Amari would be life’s biggest challenge, but he had a feeling that the little deacon with the clip-on tie was going to give him a run for his