“Richie is the head of this household,” her mom said. “Richie is the one who puts food on our table.” What food? Eleanor wanted to ask. And, for that matter, what table? They ate on the couch or on the floor or sitting on the back steps holding paper plates. Besides, Richie would say no just for the pleasure of saying it. It would make him feel like the king of Spain. Which was probably why her mom wanted to give him the chance.
