I raised an eyebrow at that. I was pretty sure that, legally speaking, you could become someone's parent at 18. Okay, 18 and nine months. But I wasn't going to point that out to Jake right now, not when the subject of his parents was still on the table. He clearly didn't like the idea, so I wouldn't tease.

I wrinkled my nose and raised a hand to ward off the potatoes. I got him back by dipping my fingers in my water and flicking it at him.

"I'm not bringing anyone by except maybe to study," I said confidently. "I'm not, I dunno, ready for that. Maybe not ever here."